Some of the ideas about dehumanizing an opponent mentioned above, are at the root of the conservative/liberal wrangling. It's an unfortunate truth, that forming a "Special Interest Group", gives more power to the spokesman for the group than he'd have had by himself.

To make the group bigger you need money. It's easier to gather contributions for your group by demonizing the opponent, than to raise money by praising your cause. Attack ad's work, unfortunately. Most people are lazy thinkers, and like an easy to follow slogan. And, the more money you have the more politicians you can buy, via campaign contributions. With more "bought" politicians, your group can dictate to your subhuman opponents how they will live their lives.

One of the most valuable courses I took in college was a "Theory of Small Groups" Sociology course, laid out so you could see these dynamics at work. Leaders and followers; self actualized thinkers and sheep. It was instructive and sad, because most were unable to see themselves as captive within the dynamic. Everyone thought they were above the "base" motives of the "Others".

To make a good decision, you need to think, rather than blindly follow. To think you need good data to think about. My rant about today's world is that whether it's the New York Times, or the Washington Times, slanted data is what is they're delivering. Entertainment value is more important in the media than anything close to the truth.

I'll end my rant by saying that both sides are more interested in control of the government pork barrel, than in the good of the people.

Jeff Smith