1. Assume the worst about those on the other side. For example, you can try adding “and we’ll do it by starving children” to the end of whatever they propose. As in “I believe we need to be more environmentally conscious…and we’ll do it by starving children” or “We really need to get spending under control…and we’ll do it by starving children. and old people. and puppies.” You know the real agenda no matter how cleverly the other side disguises it by seeming reasonable.