But, I do think society has changed quite a but since then. Collectively we are less civil than we were in prior decades. I see Washington up close and personal and the political class, though never an honest bunch, at least used to get along with each other—have a beer with the other side as they say. In the past 30 years that has changed exponentially. They are the rudest, nearest, most dishonest people and worse, thry enjoy hurting others. Its sport for them. Trump found that out after he got here. A true gentleman would be eaten for lunch here. The ones who seem like gentleman are using that persona to bamboozle people. Sorry to burst your bubble but DC is more like Gane Thrones than To Kill a Mockingbird.
Meanest not nearest.