"How Can We Achieve Unity in a Divided Nation?" We Are Stronger Together

"This nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-and that government of the people, for the people and by the people shall not perish from the earth."

Abraham Lincoln

The Civil War began in 1861 after decades of tension and strife between the North and the South. Tensions rose over slavery and westward expansion. This war is known for pitting family against family with competing ideologies. Today, this nation is suffering similar challenges. We are quick too to block, unfriend or avoid those who do not share our views. These actions fail to support the growth of our nation. To avoid further division, we the people have to choose to hear and listen to those who do not share our beliefs. This coming together can soften the edges of entrenched views allowing us to find a common ground.

Lincoln stood at the National Cemetery on November 19, 1863, acknowledging this country was conceived with the belief that all men were free from oppression, without restrictions imposed on one’s life, behavior and political views. In his address he expresses his concern if this or any nation built on liberty and equality could endure.  In the 161 years since the Gettysburg Address this nation, the United States of America has endured her fair share of strife and division. In those years our citizens have fought, disagreed and protested to support their positions on the issues. Somehow finding a balance even if tenuous among her inhabitants. Currently, we are facing one of another of those trials. I believe American and her inhabitants have the capacity to continue this legacy. As we approach election year 2024 this nation is divided in ways similar to the Civil War. Many feel we are the precipice of another civil war. We as a nation are not just divided, we are nearly severed. We struggle to find commonality or the ability to agree to disagree. As we shove our feet solidly into our positions, we forget to see the human on the other side of the opinion. It is time we take a step back and see the people who hold beliefs and opinions different than our own. We don’t have agree with each other, however, we do have to acknowledge beliefs and opinions different than our own exist. The members of the nation have the capacity to sit across the table with members of a differing opinion and share our views. It is more difficult to disparage someone or their beliefs when you take time to know them. We can’t let anonymity, and her friend fear devolve us as people.  Whoever you vote for, whatever your beliefs on immigration and women’s right try to remember we are debating the issues not the people.

Listening, reading and watching the news surrounding politics is depressing. Each day we sound more and more like the countries without democracy. Countries who are not the leaders of the free world. We as Americans debate the issues, create policies that advance our nation, not the politician pockets or induvial agendas. Reality cannot be muddled. Truth has to be the Truth. We are the country other countries look up to. Let’s show them we are better than the reality show they are becoming accustomed to watching. We stand for substance, liberty, freedom and equality for all

 Politicians are ever changing. Their views change. Their parties change. We have to exercise caution before tossing everlasting support behind one person. We as a nation have to delve deeper than sound bites to understand the person, we are actively interviewing to lead our country. Take the time vet them as best we can. I once had CMO remind me that when hiring we have slightly higher than fifty percent chance of choosing the right person. Sounds a little dark and disappointing but also relatively accurate. We have the ability to understand the person beyond the campaign and political ads. Each candidate posts their election platform on their respective websites. The task is more than a little daunting but worth the effort. An informed, educated nation is our strength, our superpower. Dive in to support our nation.

Vote! Vote for the candidate you feel is best. Allow those who vote differently to also be proud of their vote. No need to disparage or shame. We the People, are wiser and stronger than the negative behaviors.