Tribal politics are ripping country apart

Recent events in general and the latest Supreme Court decisions in particular have made me sad about America's future and the promise democracy holds for people who believe in its principles.

I am sure there are millions of individuals who feel the way I do, as well as millions of Americans who are thrilled with the direction the country is taking. Therein lies the source of the sadness, this tribal cultural clash of values that is tearing at the fabric of America.

So what concerns me? If people wonder what the "50s were like, wonder no more. A child born today will have fewer rights than her/his parents. There are voter suppression laws being passed aimed primarily at Blacks. Open hatred and violence are being directed at Asian Americans, Jews, gay and trans individuals and any religion other than Christianity in spite of Christ's teachings to love thy neighbor.

Women's reproductive health is under attack. Books are being banned. Our history is being sanitized. Belief in institutions such as courts, free press and free elections are at an all-time low. The Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action also agreed a business could decide who to serve and refuse to serve.

Justice Thomas in his opinion expressed the viewpoint that progress has been made and affirmative action is not needed. Does he really believe he would be on the court if he were white? He replaced Justice Marshall, the first black justice. So he has benefited from affirmative action throughout his life, but others should not.

The list is endless but one thing is clear as we have just celebrated the 4th of July. Will our country ever live up to it aspirational goals? We the people means all the people.

William J. Filstead

Arlington Heights