Three Seats

[Martin Eden]

35. In terms of common interests -- what truly impacts our lives --

-- we have so much more in common with the average Trump voter than any of us have with the One Percenters who have so much influence over government policy and mass media.

We all want (or at least need):

Freedom and the liberties in the Bill of Rights
Security for ourselves and our family
Quality affordable education for reaching our potential
Economic opportunity with fair pay and safe working conditions
Quality affordable healthcare, not financial ruin from medical bills
Clean air, water, and food that doesn't shorten our lives with poisonous toxins

I'm sure there's more.

All are affected by the policies of our government.

In a functional democracy we would have civil fact-based debates in the realm of ideas and practical solutions.

Instead we are at each others throats, raging at each other in the realm of lies, race, and cultural beliefs.

A very great man once said a House divided against itself cannot stand. This still holds true.

I suspect the bitter polarization of the American people is more by intent than any inherent conflicts of interest. We are deliberately being set against each other by those who profit from our political dysfunction. If we could unite in our common cause against the forces that are truly threatening our country, our current nightmare could become something more closely resembling the American Dream.

Common cause requires patience, kindness, and love.

No matter how much we may despise those we've been pitted against.