I have a friend who is getting unhinged that I am voting for Trump. After a few go-arounds, I realized discussing it is a fruitless endeavor. We are speaking different languages. He is shocked that I am voting for a so-called hateful, racist, misogynist. I am shocked that this American-born boy’s basic ideals are ground so far into socialism and anti-Americanism. He is a middle-aged business owner, but has drunk wide and deep into Salon and Huffpo, and swallowed all their lies.
It's the difference between "ends" and "means". You can debate means. You cannot debate ends.
Two people who share the same ends can talk about various means of accomplishing those ends, and have rational discussions about whether "A" would be more effective in accomplishing their shared goals than "B".
But when you do NOT have shared goals, then debate is fruitless. I have a goal of seeing my kids and grand-kids live happy and fruitful lives, and I will support measures which benefit them, even if those measures result in increased "inequality". I care more for my own, than I care for strangers. And for those who are hostile to the welfare of my own, I care nothing at all.
To a proper Leftist, if he is to be deemed a "good person", then he should promote measures which "reduce inequality", and not care if those measures disadvantage his own.