The Chasm

I’ve become increasingly disillusioned and depressed about the state of politics. I’ve reached out to friends on the Right and on the Left, giving them openings to cross the political divide and urging them not to be so partisan. I’ve couched my critiques with forbearance for views I don’t share. I’ve tried my damnedest to appreciate and embrace some of their arguments. Regrettably, it seems to be a bridge too far.

Yesterday a friend wrote a letter to the editor of my local newspaper calling for the resignation of Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia Secretary of State, because he honestly and professionally carried out his duties by certifying the election of President Biden. Another friend responded to my blog on gun control by citing examples from recent shootings that were true enough. Certainly, he must know that these criticisms, however true, don’t rise to the challenge of solving gun violence. And then this morning the Wall Street Journal predictably trashed Biden’s address to Congress last night by sniping about all the usual shibboleths.

The point is that no one wants to work together. We look for ways to disagree and seem to enjoy venting our spleens. What is most appalling, however, is that we are frequently dishonest and promote half-truths to present our cases.