[ZenoArrow]

I agree with quite a few of your points.

In terms of lesson learned, I found a new one today... Previously I saw that a lot of the problems with the public debate stemmed from the divisive media coverage, and I still believe they played a crucial role in promoting negativity on both sides, but now I see there's a crucial capacity that is needed to develop a deeper understanding of the issues, and that is the capacity for doubt.

Without the willingness to open ourselves up to conflicting views, we rob ourselves of the power to move past demagoguery, to move past personality politics, and see issues for what they really are. Whilst I recognise that it's possible to be too flexible and stand for nothing, I'd suggest that scoring points in debates by making others look foolish may only stop when we recognise we benefit from conflicting opinions (voiced respectfully).