We always frame things in terms of debate, or conflicting principles or differences of opinion, but it's actually a lot deeper than that. It's really more like we're living in different worlds, like the old science fiction "parallel universe" theme but with the two universes crudely mashed together and superimposed.

There's just no way to even have a real argument or debate because to argue about a particular position or issue challenges not just a discrete and objective opinion, but the whole subjective foundation on which that opinion is built; a foundation based on a lifelong accretion of indoctrination, experience, emotion, education (or lack thereof), and like-minded reinforcement. Basically, the world as they know it and who they are at the most basic level.

It's shocking that we can live in the same world and look at the same thing and yet see it so differently. It's a bit discouraging.