America’s values and entering the political arena
Having just read The Soul of America by Jon Meacham, I find his message relevant to our times. He describes how we have faced political and moral crises in the past, yet have found ways to move forward and listen to our “better angels.” We have not done it in a perfect way or with perfect leaders, but our sense of fairness and justice have won.
He gives examples like overcoming slavery, women’s suffrage, bias against immigrants, standing up to the Ku Klux Klan’s hatred of African Americans, Jews and Catholics, civil rights, and help for the poor and disadvantaged.
Two lessons of the book are especially important now. The first is to work out of hope, not fear. The second is to realize that change comes from the people, not leaders.
Today we have the politics of fear. Fear causes us to look backwards not forward, to become protective instead of generous, attacking instead of conciliatory, suspicious instead of trusting, and it causes us to lose sight of our core values in the passion of the moment. Whether you agree with President Trump’s policies, his rhetoric and tone encourages these negative aspects.
As a psychiatrist, I can attest to how important our attitudes and emotions are in determining our behavior. If we let fear and anger rule, we forget what really made America great: The rule of law; the free press as a protector of democracy, not an “enemy of the people;” the right to nonviolent protest; a reliance on truth, not alternative facts; and a sense of equal opportunity for all.
Meachem see each citizen’s duties as entering the arena, resisting tribalism, respecting facts and deploying reason and keeping history in mind.
If we want change, we have to become involved. I have been hesitant to enter the arena because it demands time, effort, risk and often disappointment. This letter will be my first effort, but I hope to do more. This motivation is not only from reading this book, but also from reading the Bible. I believe that God is still active in this world working toward respect, justice and compassion for all of his creation. He wants our help.
If we are to make America the “shining city on the hill” that President Reagan envisioned we have to listen to our better angels and act.
Raymond Overstreet
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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