When a passionate veteran scoffed in a public meeting last month about American Legion baseball at McEuen Field that "My wife told me I should leave my guns at home," some in attendance were stunned into silence.

The veteran later explained that he was joking and apologized that some took his jest the wrong way, but he also thought that being able to say such a thing without being ridiculed was no laughing matter; it's his right as a U.S. citizen.

As a community we've moved beyond that specific debate. The larger argument that rages on and, if anything, gains momentum is this: Where's the line between freedom to express an opinion and the violence that sometimes erupts in the aftermath of such expressions?

That line might be clarified by a new, nonpartisan think tank at the University of Arizona - perhaps an ideal location for the privately funded National Institute for Civil Discourse. Tucson witnessed a mass shooting on Jan. 8 that killed six and injured 13, and we're encouraged that something good may yet come from that tragedy.

According to sources quoted in an Arizona Daily Star article this week, the institute could serve as a referee in the game of political speech - and blow the whistle on comments that go too far.

The idea for the institute came from a Tucsonan named Fred DuVal who was in attendance at UA on Jan. 12 when President Obama challenged the country to engage in disagreement more civilly.

"At a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized - at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who think differently than we do - it's important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds," Obama said.

The National Institute for Civil Discourse already has enlisted the support of some powerful people. Former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton are honorary chairmen. Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and former U.S. Secretary of State Madelaine Albright also will serve the institute in leadership roles.

With the center focusing on debate, research, education and policy for civility in public discourse, we're hopeful that University of Arizona helps a diverse and passionate nation learn to disagree agreeably. For the whole world's sake, we need it.