"People have forgotten how to converse with one another."

Yes, that is exactly the problem. Humor is the best way to moderate and defuse these bitter opposites who are so disinclined to listen to what the other is saying, let alone understand it. That's why I often inject humor into the debate threads here...I'd like people to calm down a bit, have a gentle laugh at themselves and the general situation, which is usually pretty bizarre...and then maybe have some kind of useful discussion with each other instead of just judging and condemning whoever is on the other side.