Now is the time to keep America “us”

When I look at people, I see mostly good.

Empathy is our strongest currency.

I am not asking you to back down from what you know is right. I am asking you to re-establish empathy.

This isn’t even really about being nice, although it’s a fortunate by-product. We need all decent people on the same side right now. We need a large “us” of American decency — the largest “us” we can muster.

It’s very human to want to take a verbal jab at someone who holds a political view that you think is harmful to yourself, your friends, your family, and your country. Arguing is seductive.

Making a thrilling point, crowing about how right you were: it feels great, doesn’t it? I love the smell of righteous anger in the morning.

That fine feeling of fire has its uses, but that is not the only thing we need right now.

Right now, we’re in a turbulent time after the most divisive election in U.S. history.

We need bridge builders.

Some of you may be in situations where that’s not practical. I’m not asking you to do the impossible.

But most of you, I know, have friends and family and business relationships with people on the other side. Most of you had an uncomfortable Thanksgiving this year.

I need people like you to go to church, go to your school meeting, go to your next family birthday party and build bridges.

If someone thinks Islam is dangerous, don’t assume they are a bad person. Find out why, without the sarcasm. Show empathy. Grow together and grow towards justice.

If someone thinks there should be more regulations about guns, don’t assume they are a bad person. Find out why, without the sarcasm. Grow together and grow towards justice.

This is really hard. It’s hard to know so strongly why you’re right, and still keep your neighbor’s starting point in mind. But shouting about how evil your cousin is, or that guy on Facebook, does nothing but make you feel satisfied.

Building bridges does not preclude you from going to the airport or the upcoming Scientists’ march, or the local Young Republicans meeting. It might help you bring a friend next time.

—The Polite Liberal