Prior to 1996 I used to tease my friends about their weak constitutions.  They would get sick and I wouldn't.

That changed in 1996 where I went through a twice-a-year bout with bronchitis which continued through 2002.  In 2002 my health improved and I haven't been sick since.  So I was thinking to myself, hmmmm, what changed?

Looking back on it, it seems pretty clear.  I served in public office from 1996 to 2002.  The hours and the stress will tear up even a person who has the constitution of a bull.

During those years, a week didn't pass without a few people calling to complain about this issue or that issue.  It often became an intense call where people would scream about one thing or another.  It was almost always someone who was a regular listener of talk radio with about 2/3rds being listeners of squawker Charlie Sykes and about 1/3 inspired by Mark Belling.

I was thinking of this last night as I was thinking about all of the Democrats who will soon take office and deal with the constant barrages of insane people who rely on Republican talk radio show hosts for their news and views.

So here is my advice to those Dems when dealing with talk radio-inspired callers:

Don't make the same mistake I did.

If callers scream, tell them you're going to count each time they raise their voice and when you get to three, you will hang up and never take their calls again.

If they think they are lending you unique insight, ask them where they heard their information.  Then proceed to tell them that you don't take the advice of lying partisan talk radio show hosts and they shouldn't either.

Tell the screamers that they aren't welcome to call anymore.

Have your aide screen your calls.

Explain to them that threats don't affect you and that your own moral compass drives your decisions.  If they have something productive or insightful to offer, you thank them for taking the time to call.  If not, they can peddle talk radio-inspired hate elsewhere.

Looking back at those years in office, I went through about a dozen rounds of anti-biotics.  What Dems need to realize is that they will never make those people happy.  There are people in this world who simply think they're better and smarter than you and no matter what you say or even if you modify your own voting habits, they will continue to be a thorn in your side.  People you help the most will sometimes be the ones who are most strident in their opposition to you.   When a new term starts, they'll likely think they can get a "do over" and excuse to harange you again.  Don't let them.

Stand your ground.

Let your own moral values drive you.