theconversation.com/george-washingtons-worries-are-coming-true-263240
Partisanship today is toxic, pitting family members against each other and separating communities. A partisan divide has even threatened to break up the state of Oregon. The article states it’s natural for people to “collect themselves into groups,” but that can be used by politicians for their own selfish goals.
The article does not offer an opinion on how to deal with this, but my experience leads me to believe we can subvert attempts to manipulate us by being kind to others and accepting our differences as an opportunity to learn in pursuit of solutions that benefit us all.
By chance today I noticed a book: “Recharging Ourselves: Strengthening Our Community Through Kindness” by Neal C Lemery from Tillamook County. The subjects it addresses seem related to these issues; it looks like a great read. There is a sample and short bio on Amazon, but please buy from a local bookstore if you’re interested.
-Dave