Yes that's a fair point. I think what I would argue is that if it were not for social media/flash news and parties interested in sensationalizing fringe views,

Yes that's a fair point. I think what I would argue is that if it were not for social media/flash news and parties interested in sensationalizing fringe views, the situation we face now would be less dire. I also doubt that without these interests fanning the flames that these parties would dry up and disappear, and I don't pretend to have a solution to this complex problem. I would merely maintain my point from above and that the solution, if there is one, may be partially represented in acting upon this variable. I agree completely with your last point, that the number one way to avoid civil war is to foster an environment of dialogue. When conversations are impossible, violence results.