If you think about it, our news says a lot about us. Reports on “the Pit Bull of Congress.” someone publicly dismissing the President as “stupid.” headlines bragging “vicious and heartless comments,” liberals labeled “Godless,” adoption of “Bring it On” language for various purposes, political opponents “demonizing each other,” etc.

I have worked in third world countries. In one, parliament became so polarized that government and opposition MP's would not sit in the legislative chamber together. I witnessed initiation of an official hit squad by a supposed democracy, to promote order - “another dissident killed by mistake last night in crossfire, while resisting arrest.” Are we headed that way?

Even in the church - some parishioners on the left do not attend because they are “suspect” for certain of their political views. Others, on the right, are dismissed because they do not fully accept certain academic explanations. What was that about bearing false witness against your neighbor?

And broadcasting has become less about exploring issues so that people can make their own choices and more about converting listeners to one's own orthodoxy.

But this is selling Americans short. Most of us realize that within so called blue states, there are considered red views and within so called red states, there are plenty of blue positions. But how to work together to thoughtfully address serious issues - energy, healthcare, the environment, middle class retirement, crime, hunger - if we allow ourselves to be increasingly put into left or right cheering sections?

I served as Peace Corps director in two countries. It was not easy for our young people, indeed it was extremely frustrating, but hundreds of idealistic volunteers were successful when they overcame themselves and could see good and fascinating things about their hosts, as different as they were. If they could do this, then with a little understanding and good will, Americans who are so much more alike, can too.

Donovan Russell

Moravia