Choosing Unity.

Today's marketing cookie inspires us to believe that our collective efforts, rooted in unity, can lead to a brighter future for all.

There was an attempted assassination on the life of a former president yesterday. As I sit at my desk this morning, I am troubled by the realization that our country's divisions have deepened so much that violence is becoming a more frequent form of expression. I condemn it. 

With the wounds of hatred still open, my words today, if not carefully chosen, could fuel further discord. Choosing a word leaning left or using a phrase slanting right in such a charged atmosphere only serves to entrench the absolute allegiances of one while amplifying the hostilities of the other. It is becoming harder for people to see beyond their own perspectives, and I fear that our society is spiraling into a cycle of hatred and retribution with no end in sight.

Writing about these events places me at the dreaded intersection of conflicting ideologies, where any call for understanding and unity as Americans could be misconstrued as betrayal by loyalists on either side. This unsustainable polarization leaves little room for the empathy and respectful dialogue we so desperately need. But I must try.

In these challenging times, it's crucial to remember that while our differences may seem insurmountable, our shared love for country can be the source of our strength. Love and understanding must be at the forefront of our efforts to heal the wounds that divide us. By seeking common ground, we can begin to stand together. Let us listen more and judge less, extending an open hand rather than a clenched fist. In doing so, we can transform our culture of conflict into a spirit of unity. When we work together, holding onto the hope for peace, we can give energy to something much more powerful, just as today’s fortune promises, “Love is like war; easy to begin but hard to stop.”