Compassionate thinking will help solve problems
There's competitive thinking and compassionate thinking. The contrast between them, considered practically, can lead to a political healing and resolution of the anti-American split between the major parties. All and every American must examine individually what liberty means.
Do I want the freedom to make money without government interference? Do I want personal freedom unlimited to amass more toys for me and mine before I die? Do I want more and can I get more than others? That's competitive thinking. But then, a sense of genuine patriotism should staunch that narrow, partisan thinking. Here's where fraternity, to limit this self-centered selfish sense of liberty, kicks in.
If you have compassionate thinking you will ask yourself. "What do I want for my neighbors?" Brotherly love and a sense of bonding to our fellows demands the answer, "The same freedom, the same wealth, education, protections, health care, and opportunities that I want and do enjoy." But, that's what "those people" want!
Yes, go look in the mirror now. You're answering for the African American, the LGBTQ neighbor, the army of immigrant/Americans, Christians and non-Christians, atheists - all who are your fellow humans. You see all of them in yourself.
Do you want them to have in equal measure what you have and enjoy, are you willing to share? That's equality. Which party, which candidate will best give us all three: liberty, fraternity and equality?
Marion J. Reis
Lombard