I can see it now, spitting on hippies and stomping on peace symbols. Then they'll burn their Birkenstocks and set fire to their Social Security cards.

Left and right have always, and will always, be with us. They are the two sides of the coin, and it is impossible to conceive of any political system which does not divide itself into a left and right. What scares me is the factionalization, the demonization of the Other. It is natural that people will have different opinions on how and where they will draw the line on any issue, and it is also natural that they will tend to seek out those of like mind to work with them to promote their cause. What I find disturbing is this need to paint one's opponents as fools and idiots, or worse, evil people, part of some conspiracy determined to take over the world.

Sure, people have interests, emotional and financial. And it is natural for people to sincerely believe that what they want is what everybody else deserves. Everyone thinks they favor certain political beliefs only because they are best for society, no one wants to believe that they also tend to favor policies which benefit them, or at least, that they believe benefit them. It's not because they are evil, it's just human nature. I favor increased spending on space travel and science because I like space travel and science and I think they are important and worthwhile. Of course I'm biased, and it colors my politics on that issue. And I recognize my politics on all issues are biased to some extent by my prejudices and my interests.

But I don't think those who oppose space travel do so because they want to condemn the people of earth to imprisonment on this planet, or because their religion forbids it, that they're out to "get" space enthusiasts or are otherwise some other evil conspiracy that justifies my attacking them and rooting out their wicked beliefs, with violence, if necessary.

Maybe I'm stretching the analogy a bit, but I think you see my point. Look at the political debate today. Reject those who demonize the Other, who talk endlessly of conspiracies and plots, and who feel the need to constantly remind you that virtue only is on their side. Challenge them and dispute them, even if you happen to agree with their politics, it is no reason to embrace their methods.

It's like torturing prisoners of war. Even if the end justifies the means, in the end it means you are just like your enemies.