The world is full of bitterly divided views, vastly amplified by the information revolution. But for sheer canyon-like separation it is hard to beat the current state of affairs in Washington, at the governmental heart of what is supposes to be the richest, biggest, most powerful, most influential nation on Earth — but somehow just now isn't.
This is a city in argumentative mayhem. No one seems to agree with anyone about who is really in charge or in what direction America is supposed to be going. If this was just a matter of fast-talking heads attacking each other ceaselessly on every current affairs television show, that would not be too worrying.
If the turmoil of argument and doubt was just a reflection of the basic structure of the United States Constitution, as influenced by 16th century French philosopher Michel de Montaigne's ideas on the separation of powers, that, too, would be nothing very different from healthy democratic normality.