I have this theory that what-about-ism as a debate technique, elevated by more readily available un-helpful "facts" (e.g. single varient evaluation of complex system), hased cause people to forget the utility of facts. When you and I have a REAL disagrement about something importand and complex the FACTS that we can both agree on and take for granted are what ENABLES us to find a new higher resolution understanding - we can get further because we can focus. I try to look out for what-about-ism disguised as refuting evidence, and approach people's belief epistemologically.