The reason for this might be that most are so rooted in their beliefs they will not even hear another side. The debate quickly turns to I am correct and you are wrong. This is not debate. Considerable understanding is required in debate and the more one understands the position of their opponent the better the quality of the discussion.
If we only hear one side (the side we agree with) we learn nothing and grow ignorant. In hearing both sides one can make an educated choice on a topic.
It comes down to lack of hearing.
I also find there are a considerable number of people who do not understand the meanings of the terms they use. That represents an intellectual gap and makes it impossible to have excellent discussion or debate.
What do I hear most often about my "middle of the road" views? It hasn't been said here that I know of but often times I'm told that there is nothing in the middle except a long stripe; painted yellow. I guess they are inferring that I'm scared to take a stand or something. LOL.
You're right for the most part. I would take issue with your "lack of hearing" comment. I don't think it is a lack of hearing; I think people on both sides are intellectually dishonest with themselves.
Warrior said that Bush gave up golf during the Gulf War. There are videos--I posted them--of him saying "watch this drive" then Teeing off. The result? No retraction, no apology, nothing. Obviously, this wasn't some sort of stunning exposee on my part; the whole world knew it. Bripat said, "You need to get shot at to have combat pay." I showed him where it wasn't the case at all. Still he sticks by the error (or lie if you will) he made.
As for "lack of hearing", you're right in some cases. People assume they are right about everything and seek not to understand but demand to be understood.