I don't think politics should be a divider. Sadly, it has become just that. I think there are many factors that play into that but with all the information that flies at us 24/7 365...well...we seem constantly stuck in these "life or death" predicaments that heighten the tensions. Ukraine being the latest with Putin rattling his nuclear sword. 

Glad you have hung on to your friend. My wife lost one over the whole Trump attack on the capitol thing. Her family were all Trump supporters and when the capitol attack happened Julia broke their "no political talk" rule by asking her about what was happening at the capitol. It did not go well and the two have not spoken since. 

I mean people have always said don't talk religion or politics at the dinner table but I think things have escalated to Putin's nuke level with people. If they don't like what the other person says they just nuke them out of their life. I think that only creates more isolation and it is what guys like Trump want so that is playing right into their hands. 

I don't mind having the talks with people and I think it is the only way to work things out. If we all go to our corners and stop talking...well...we are just isolated and mistrustful of the other side.

Again, the hardest part to me in talking with people is the disagreements on what is actually fact and what is fiction. This really becomes a problem.