A traditionally red city in a blue state, currently in civil war between political labels and self identification of Left and Right (and yes, Blue and Red). I hate the labels and try not to use them. I agree that the deadly compromises are fueled by the authorities you mentioned, dividing (western) societies into identifying to be in one or the other camps.

Deciding individually is indeed a better tool.

Yep clueless zombies are everywhere. Probably always have been. Hell, I might be one of them and not know it.