In today’s political climate, public discourse often feels more like combat than conversation. Citizens are divided, leaders trade insults instead of ideas, and the tone of our national, state and local dialogue grows increasingly harsh. It seems to me that many Americans are unconcerned with the vitriolic and polarizing behavior of our government leaders and reward the conduct with their votes. I wonder where the voices of those Americans are who believe “good character really does matter” in leaders and that something essential to our democratic leadership is largely missing. Interestingly, a small but profound law in the state of Hawaii offers a reminder of what that missing element might be. In 1986, the Hawaii legislature enacted what is known as the Aloha Spirit Law (Hawaii Revised Statutes §5-7.5). At first glance, the statute seems almost surprising.…