Think America was divided in the 1970s? Try the 1860s. And if you somehow think that the US Civil War doesn't count because it was soldiers fighting, remember

Think America was divided in the 1970s? Try the 1860s. And if you somehow think that the US Civil War doesn't count because it was soldiers fighting, remember that one of the precursors to the war occurred in Kansas. In the 1850s, civilians from both sides invaded and fought to kick the other side out so they could rig Kansas' vote on slavery. It was violence between civilians and obvious attempts to manipulate a democratic vote by both sides. I'm not saying that the division now or in the 1970s is acceptable, but America's history (and that of many other "civilized" countries) is bathed in blood. Politicians win elections by having a "better" stance on the issues compared to their opponent. If they can make an issue divisive and considered a deal-breaker then they can keep supporters on their side, even if they are screwing their constituents on many smaller issues. This is why abortion is equated with premeditated murder on one side and complete forfeiture of a woman's autonomy on the other. This is why gun control is equated with supporting mass shootings on one side and the complete abandonment of freedom and the US Constitution on the other. We should strive to be better, but realize that this isn't the worst it's ever been. It does seem like in the past couple decades, the increasing flood of information has made many aware of the divisions. Previously you could have lived you life in your community where most of the people think like you.