Teresa, I agree with you but in a democracy where we the people are this divided and respect for each side has been replaced with anger, frustration and even hatred more and more people are going to choose individual liberties over social systems that share responsibilities for the greater good. In addition We also are all part of the Western Philosophy that focuses on individualism instead of the whole. I wish democracy meant that we can have it both ways but I know that it will always be like this probably because of the nature a two party political system. Many of my discussions with very religious (and educated) people are concerned that our institutions (social and government) are being taken over by people who are trying to take away the freedoms that are most important to them and give other groups more freedom at their expense. It is the only explanation of how good people that have always tried to do the right thing are not wearing a mask. So when their false prophet tells them that he will protect those freedoms that matter most to them they will be very loyal. Somehow this loyalty expresses itself in ways that conflict with the greater good. To be fair many have legitimate arguments and examples can be found right here in this forum. Grouping people into offensive categories is not the answer in finding the greater good or doing the right thing. Once you hit people with verbal and emotional abuses like this they just become more and more loyal to their causes even when those causes conflict with doing the right thing. I am not excusing the behavior but I do understand it and respect it even though I try very hard in my discussions to convince them to listen to their heart not their politics. I don't know if this will make any sense to you or anyone else but it is my experience in trying to reason with both sides...