Fantastic piece. Empathy exists on a plane of intelligence which (most) humans haven't yet achieved - and may never. What your piece doesn't cover is the fact that those on the Right see the Left as an enemy, to be destroyed, mitigated and silenced. They want an American version of Saudi Arabia, a fundamental Dominist, Handmaid's Tale society where white, hetrosexual men are in charge. Women, minorities and others (LGBTQA, disabled and foreigners) are subjugated. Even though your piece is well-thought-out and true, it is impossible to reason or even talk to them at this point. Until the Trump fever is broken, common ground remains elusive.