Both sides are adamant their opponents are corrupt and destructive. The Trump support cadres believe the former President is the victim of a dishonest justice system and media.

The anti-Trump legions think Trump himself is corrupt and has been destructive to the country.

There is no detente possible with the two positions, they are entrenched, and because there is no reliable messenger for "the truth" any longer, they will remain in stone.

The difference now from the Vietnam days is that a substantial number of Americans are solidly apathetic. With a dreaded draft in place back in the 1960s, ignoring politics was difficult.

Today it's easy with all the high-tech addiction. Millions of Americans live in trivial bubbles where harsh realities are blocked with the swipe of a thumb.

The 2024 presidential vote will be a major turning point for this country. But getting there promises to be civically painful. The divided states of America are not going to forge a compromise anytime soon, and a major portion of the population doesn't care anyway.