I was so grateful, refreshed, to see the actual content of this post, Aaron, and I am trying to share it with friends and family on both the left and the right. When confronted with the opportunity to read something the length of a real news article, however, these individuals act defensive, as though I am high and mighty, trying to teach them something, and they immediately try to teach me something, never reading the recommended post at all.

The attitude of many Americans seems to be: “I am only willing to read something that further fortifies my present position, that offers intellectual ammunition against my ideological enemies. All other information, that which might shed light on a shadowy side of myself, on any need for change in my comfortable routine, shall be viewed as threatening, even heretical.” Maybe that is Hillary’s problem: she does all of her homework but still reminds our collective of a hated childhood teacher, trying to ruin their party plans. Or, maybe, these are witch trials.

As a writer myself, I find these trends doubly frustrating. These same friends and family suggest to me, regularly, that I should abandon my snobby commitment to the truth and just be a saleswoman of popular ideas like more successful writers. Of course, they make this argument in fewer words. Thank you for finding a way in, for attracting my attention without compromising your standards. If yours are fighting words, then I consider you an ally.