And there in lies the rub. Intent is SO important. It’s the difference between manslaughter and murder.

But even though it’s a real thing, it’s difficult to prove beyond a shadow of doubt. It’s really easy to confabulate a believable story about noble intentions, especially when people want to be fooled. And people on both sides eat up whatever half-true story they are fed because it’s better than admitting any fault to other side that is just as indoctrinated to their own narrative.

And in that environment there are always going to be people who exploit this reality for personal gain. Even if that gain means tacky hotel decor, cringey reality television, fake universities, trophy wives, and spray tans.