Yes, this is one of Trump's gifts, his incredibly potent ability to separate people, break them apart, make them feel rage and hate toward others. We, as a country, never had to face a guy that could do this so well and that, quite honestly, gets so much help doing it. 

Thankfully, nobody in my family, or even extended family, is a Trump supporter. So, on the family side, I have none of this going on. Friends, yes, my wife has lost friends over it. The friends I have that are into Trump, when I see them, I try to discuss why they support him and I throw facts at them. Does it work? Well, I can see I add confusion to their beliefs but I am not sure I have changed anybody's mind...yet. 

I've told Julia, I feel that I don't want to give in to rage and hate because this is exactly what Trump wants from us. It is from where he draws all his power over our society. That's ugly. Also, approaching 60, I've lived long enough to know that for most of my time living in the United States, well, it was not like this. I see the dividing line, the sharp contrast, the change Trump brought about. He inspires tremendous ugliness in people and I refuse to take part in that.

Trump likes to dehumanize the people he does not like. He does it with immigrants, Democrats, people in the judicial system, the media, entertainers, and he does it to Republicans that won't bend to his will. All are made out to be less than human, and this makes them easy for his followers to hate. From there we are a hair trigger away from him going the next step and saying "We must exterminate them. It must be done for the country." and he has a certain segment of the population ready to go along with that. He wants that in his pocket and this is why he says "There is going to be a bloodbath." and gives speeches about "American carnage." 

It is why he quotes Hitler, it is why Project 2025 exists. He wants a group ready to start killing when he says it is time. 

So, this separation of families, friends, coworkers, all of it is about pledging loyalty to him and being willing to pull that trigger when he gives the word. They are not humans in Trump's world. He is promising there will be retribution. 

"Stand back and stand by." and they did...and we got January 6th, "it was wild." 

Trump has presented the situation to his followers that we, at this moment, are in Hell. Then he tells them only he can lead them out. He has presented us as not just enemies of the country, but enemies of god. 

It's all very dangerous, and on a certain percentage of people, effective.