I believe that the divisions along idealogical lines are not necessarily a bad thing. You're right in saying that neither side is perfect, but opposition to socialism stems from a belief that it is a system more inherently broken than capitalism. I oppose socialism because I believe that its aim is to make us less free to achieve egalitarianism. Freedom is our most important human attribute, and I'm not likely to set aside my belief in freedom for the sake of civility.

Today, many Americans enjoy socialist programs and have for decades, but the socialism in question is full-blown socialism. This is not "we want socialist aspects", but rather "we want socialism".

Personally, I have nothing against socialists other than that I think they are wrong. I do, however have a great deal against socialism itself.