THE GREAT DIVIDE

This title does not pertain to the geographical divide in our country. Rather it pertains to the current political landscape, and its effect on our psyche, our relationships, and our entire future outlook. Sadly, I believe we have become two countries and each country feels their right to exist supersedes the others.

Just a few days ago, I had lunch with a dear friend who is on the “other side of the country” from me, politically. We only peripherally discussed the pending election, and at that, it was around the fact that she has a friend (probably on my “side of the country”) with whom she cannot speak, and that causes her so much pain. We talked about what is happening in families, households, and friendships all around us because feelings are so strong, and emotions so heated. I am fortunate that my family and most of my friends share my perspective on the candidates, but others are not as fortunate. We parted after lunch and sent virtual hugs and kisses, and then returned to our perspective corners, knowing that we are more vested in the results than we wanted to admit.

My daughter pointed out recently that we were never a political family when raising her and her sister. Fortunately, despite declaring my party preference, I had always found ways to accept and admire many of the actions of our leaders. There were no cable news programs telling me everything good and bad our leaders were doing, and ignorance truly was bliss. I had too much to do just working full time and raising our daughters. I left the job of running the country to the powers that were voted into office.

These, however, are different times…polarizing times…frightening times, and the stakes are extremely high. I cannot put my head in a book or watch a Netflix series.

But I am making a commitment, and I would love you to join me at this crucial time and crucial juncture. We MUST find a way back to each other. We MUST create a path forward that brings us together. The Great Divide can no longer be acceptable. Whichever man carries the mantle on January 20, 2021, will have an enormous job ahead. Covid 19, the economy, race relations, foreign relations, domestic challenges, fires, unemployment, well, the list goes on and on. We will never see eye to eye on all of it or even much of it. We will always second guess what the “other guy” would have done differently. This country, however, deserves better, needs better, and deserves a chance to heal and return to good health. We must find one thing, and then one more thing, and on and on until we see eye to eye on at least some issues.

There will never be an icon like John F. Kennedy, who created a fantasy of Camelot, sadly, or any of the myriad of other presidents whose appeal was created by what we DID NOT know about them. We cannot put that genie back in the bottle, sadly. But if we all do our best to find SOME way to reach across the Great Divide and understand what we do not understand, we have a chance of survival, and even growing in ways we never thought possible.