Growing fractures in the American population

The varied reactions in the last 96 hours (as we write this) to the massive attack on Iran by the FedGov and the State of Israel have again revealed the growing divides in American society. Not just but especially in civic and political matters.

This fragmentation is not just growing. The yawning gap in Americans’ opinions and positions also demonstrates the sources of the varying (and opposing) worldviews of our people. Including outright lies, twisted truth, crazy assumptions, and more. We can see it not just in the old parties, with the difference between blue and red States and politics. We see it too in libertarians. We are all over the place.

Even a quick and shallow review of the reactions to the situation published by a wide range of libertarian and mainstream political and media outlets shows this. We have hardened in our positions and in our opinions. And all too often it is misinformation or misunderstanding that separates and hardens our stances on all too many issues. Americans have formed tight cliches based on very specific views and positions, in direct conflict with other groups, and often as an immediate and long-term reactions (and over-reactions) to some perceived belief or attitude. The result? There is less and less cooperation, or even dialogue, between the various groups. Communication fails, and adds to the division. We gang up: “my people” and “you monsters.” And this ganging up reveals both the growing fractures and the realization that we that we are becoming more irrational, more emotional, more condemning of any deviation or differences.

Major items of note:

We find in many sources, a shared belief that Israel and Zionists are dictating and controlling American politics and government decision-making. Wherever we look it seems that we find claims that Trump is nothing more than a shill for “Zionism” – or indeed, for the Deep State. Or “his billionaire buddies.” But we find the Trumpistas do the same thing, just in the opposite way: Trump and his followers and apologists are equally condemning of their opponents. More than just ad hominin attacks. And claims that are truly crazy. That includes even those who are generally in sympathy (and often allies) with Trump on many (even most) issues. Anyone who disagrees with The Donald on only one or two points is now condemned as a heretic. And accused strongly of defecting to the regime’s political enemies.

But at the same time, we know we have seen that tendency on the Woke (Regressive/Progressive) side for years: less than 100% agreement is translated as total opposition. We see that both sides are more extreme, more demanding, and more condemning, not just of their political enemies but of their allies. (Does it not indeed smell like the evils of man-made religion and the resulting conflicts?)

And of course, we also have seen this for a half-century in libertarian circles. Factions develop, fracture, and fracture again. (And we realize that we free-market anarchists are just one example of that kind of fragmentation.)

The circles of cooperation, fellowship, are drawn tighter and tighter, smaller and smaller. Often, while totally ignoring the facts. Or at best, interpreting facts in ways that show that partisanship and loyalty to supposed allies are more important than principle, truth, or results.

Dear readers, do you also see this growing breakdown of communities? If so, please share examples and ideas of how to repair this. If not, please, encourage us more and more by sharing your point of view.

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