While LH's observations in the opening post are always true to one exent or another, it's interesting to reflect upon how and why this barrier to communication can be so much worse in some circumstances than in others, and in some eras.

The political climate in Washington DC has become increasingly ~ make that alarmingly ~ partisan in recent years. There have always been differing opinions, but the recent bitterness and tendency to demonize one's opponents has reached unprecedented heights. This is obviously true among officeholders of the two opposing parties, and it can be seen among the population as a whole. The popularity of rabblerousing talk radio is certainly a contributing factor, although it's hard to say whether this phenomenon is a response to the increasing rancor, or the cause of it.