the problem is if you do have empathy for people, everyone will hate you for it because it won't be for the people they like in particular.

i have empathy for every american, but if i say that to other americans they tell me i'm a facist/racist/bigot for not wanting to kill and murder people who voted republican. the hatred is from both sides towards each other is insane and anyone who tries to rise above it is just accused of being on the 'other side'.

and fwiw most of my threats come from progressive leftists, whom i vote for. they often hate their own supporters and wonder why more people aren't progressive... because you drive them away with your hateful and angry rhetoric that you falsely being is 'better' than the angry and hateful rhetoric of 'facists' you so despise.