Yes, it is very challenging, @denmarkguy. I thought this was a great analogy:

"As a sort of metaphor, it's the political equivalent of always eating Big Macs™ and wondering why you're still fat, rather than eating a balanced diet and getting some exercise to actually lose weight."

What are we consuming, as a regular part of our political discourse diet?

"And it’s very difficult to detect what it is we’re collectively being misdirected from ..."

I certainly agree with this. I appreciate the fact you are openly and honestly pointing this out.

As long as what divides people is so sharply in focus, rather than what unites us, it is sobering to think about what it will take to bring about any long lasting change to what you have described in your post.