American politicians may be mostly as you describe but there are many here that are quieter yet have empathy and can see past their noses. This thought is one that I have encountered in various places in the world.

@MizJ But as the alien states it is not foreigners like myself who are listened to. It is only Americans vote for American politicians.

@FrayedBear I was in the UK when Desert Shield had not progressed to Desert Storm. I was in a pub and a man next to me asked me for a light and I offered him my Bic lighter. He lit his smoke and noted that the lighter was from the US and asked me about the general sentiment in regards to that issue and I told him that the average American did not want another Vietnam. I could see that he was impressed by my response and we had a fabulous conversation about it. While we spoke I got a couple of gentle kicks from my companion under the table and I continued the conversation with the stranger. The conversation was fabulous. The people I was there with and his wife were somewhat confused but the two of us being very engaged in the exchange of ideas. He introduced himself with only his first name. That was one of the finest exchanges of thoughts in regards to politics and world policy that I was ever engaged in. Afterwards I found out that I had been speaking to a man that was in the House of Lords. That conversation may have had impact!

@MizJ it may because he wasn't a deaf American in Congress!

I mostly agree with you, Howard. But I'm also glad to have at least one member of the Republican clown car (namely Cheney) willing to state a few obvious truths.

@mischl It is easy for us to say we support a complete victory over Russia. Even with carte blanche, Zelenskyy may find it to be a rough road getting there. It is my hope that the Pentagon is significantly mobilized to give Zelenskyy the best tactical advice possible. Ultimately, though, Zelenskyy has to live with Russia being next door forever, and that may require some concessions. I would prefer that Ukraine defang the bear as much as possible, but I don't live there. And I certainly salute Liz Cheney for standing up to the rest of her caucus, who appear to have gone over the cliff. I'd sure like to know what she thinks about the slow or no pace of progress at DOJ.

Yes, and I'm sure you know the exact principle reason why there can't be agreement. Right?

@mischl I can think of a couple of reasons. Fearing that others may perceive agreement as weakness, pride, tribal mentality. I am sure there are more.

@mischl I would like to hear your take since I'm not sure sure I actually know.

@mischl @silverotter11 I forgot to include the Dunning-Krueger Effect. Bozos in DC all seem to think they have the answers. One or two may occasionally have an idea worth pursuing, mostly they regurgitate the party line.

@silverotter11 As I've heard argued by my small group of political activists, when one party believes strongly some principle that is totally unacceptable to the other party, you have what divorce lawyers often call "incontrovertible differences." That is, differences that are closed to questioning.

In the current political environment, it seems that a large segment of Republicans (i.e., Trumpers) are pushing for a strong-man, authoritarian form of government which is total anathema to freedom-loving Democrats. Personally, I've had (or attempted to have) a reasonable conversation on the subject with several Republicans, and it was like talking to a stone wall.

The responses I got were totally "canned" bites of misinformation that sounded exactly like Fox TV. Those people have adopted a "belief system," and they're not about to be dissuaded by mere facts.

@MizJ DK has approximately the same effect as total indoctrination with religion. Those afflicted with it are "true believers." In that facts won't change their opinions, because they are emotionally-based.

@mischl I am truly non-violent and yet when I hear those sound bytes I want to punch people in the mouth.

@MizJ Haha, yes, my dear...it's call repressed rage. And right now, MANY of us otherwise peaceful people are literally smoldering with it. If I weren't so damn old, I'd be very tempted to pack up my sniper rifle and go off to help out in Ukraine.

@mischl I am certain you are correct, stats like the current ones for air travel violence prove it.

@mischl Thank you, it sums up my thoughts also - the divorce lawyer comment is perfect for what we see in political arena.
It's not just fox/right wing media. The media in general is not reporting the outstanding jobs report, the amazing economic turn around, etc. The withdrawal from Afghanistan - largest and most successful air lift by our military ever, no the focus was on the 13 soldiers that were killed and ignoring trump was the one who set out the terms. Mid terms are approaching, the AG will probably not make any statement about the culpability of trump or the house members involved with the 1/6 insurrection or bring any charges to close to November. The focus of course is Hunter's lap top, a real MacGuffin if ever there was one.

@silverotter11 Negativity in the media creates emotion and keeps people tuned in through the commercial breaks. I feel like crap if I watch it and am happier reading the news online so I can filter out the awful parts.