Social Politics in 2012

I used to think that mudslinging referred to politicians making extraordinary accusations about their adversaries in order to sway public opinion.  Now I'm wondering how long we, the People, have been participating in this ill-conceived strategy.  Emails and postings on social networks that are political in nature and unapologetically  libelous make inflammatory accusations about public officials, but without any proof or source of information whatsoever.  We see this from both sides of the political arena, posted not by candidates this time, but by everyday citizens.  I choose to believe these citizens misguidedly think  that they are informing their friends and associates of  important facts about the politicians which make them unacceptable to serve in the office for which they have been nominated.  The alternative is unconscionable: that they do it just to get people worked up about some apparently detestable action.  Unsubstantiated rumors and innuendos  have done as much to divide our People as the events of  9/11, maybe more, since they have come from within our ranks.  
The greatest part of our system of government is our Freedom.  One of which is the freedom to speak out, make our opinions known, and try to sway others to see our perspective.  Most of us would agree that the media has been abusing their freedom of press for years... decades:  sensationalizing events to a point beyond exaggerating, allowing private interests to dictate whether certain things can be published or not.  Why?  Money.  Or the love of money.   Make the news horrendous, appalling, outrageous; never mind the truth as long as we get the readers- subscriptions!  advertisers!  sales! 
So when did the average Joe start imitating the media?  And why would anyone aspire to be like them anyway???   A person can speak out, and protest, and debate without flinging insults and accusations, can't they?   Have we lost all respect for anyone who doesn't believe the same things we do?  And if so, how can we get that back?  I once heard someone say that there's always time for courtesy.  I think there's also time for kindness and respect.   Is that really too much to ask?