In other words, it just got real.
I fully expect that the ugliness we have seen in political discussions is going to escalate dramatically as this process continues. I've heard from several people that they have never seen politics this bad before. As a student of history, I can say that it has been a great deal worse, but this is certainly as bad as it has been for decades. I feel that this plays into the hands of anyone who wants to tear the United States apart.
Don't get me wrong; I'm all about debate. I believe that different people should hold differing political beliefs and not be afraid to say them. I believe that by having those sorts of discussions, we come to a better understanding of the multiple facets of our world.
What I have a problem with is the tone that those "discussions" have started to take. Disagreement should not be an "all or nothing" situation. Certainly, there are areas which have lines that cannot be crossed, but refusing to discuss even those sensitive areas can lead us to dangerous places. Instead of discussion, we are cutting ourselves off from avenues of communication, leading to further bitterness and bile.
I ask that everyone try to keep a respectful tone (which is difficult for my default sarcastic manner) as the inevitable division begins.