War for decency is still being waged

I recently read the historical novel "Cut to the Heart" by Ava Dianne Day. Based on a biography of Clara Barton, it is set in the Civil War South. In it, a real-life friend of Barton's describes the War as "a war for the decency that is due every human soul." This is a war that was never truly won.

We are still fighting this war, if not globally, then certainly nationally. Our current White House is not just ignoring this war for decency, it has flipped it on its head. This White House is promulgating indecency, through denigration and name-calling, through disrespect and disregard for the truth.

Such indecency is alienating and isolating. It cuts us off from those who should best surround us. We thrive and succeed as individuals, communities, states and nations in the context of kin-ships, friendships, and alliances. We need their richness and diversity to inform us, to help us grow and reach our fullest potential. Without these networks we wither and fail. A person alone is less than his best. A nation alone is a dying nation.

We must, with vigor, renew the war for decency. If we do not, we will become alienated and isolated. We will wither and fail. Our democracy will die.

Jamie Smith

Wheaton