Los Angeles Times

George Skelton: Chaos and incivility ruled the last day of California's legislative session. Blame Zoom

Legislators are reflective of the people who elect them - not just in ideology but in behavior. That's the way it was set up and it works - for better or worse.

When people communicate through technology rather than in person, inhibitions too often break down and they get testy. Maybe even act like jerks, flinging insults. We see this with email, Twitter and bellicose blogs.

But if you're looking someone in the eye, you tend to smile and mind your manners, perhaps even try some charm and diplomacy.

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