I have a good relationship with a conservative Christian on another blog hosted by a Frenchman. This particular 'conservaative' is a Marine who's an intelligent, respectful, thoughtful man. We are on opposite sides of the political spectrum as we define said spectrum here in the U.S. Still, we both have a lot of respect, one for the other.

I think its more about a lack of empathy all together. Understanding the feelings of someone much like you is really easy, they are about the same.

Putting yourself in the shoes of someone from a significantly different background or lifestyle is hard.

Rich V poor, educated v uneducated, Religious V Atheist. I bet its all the same

What is bizarre about thinks like party, and religions is that political partyies and religions all operate in very similar ways so they folks involved aren't really that different but the perception is that those groups are polar opposites. so its more about an unwillingness to try and relate than it is about actual differences,