A clear call for unity

In crucial things, unity. In important things, diversity. In ALL things, generosity. — George H. W. Bush

Unity of spirit, of respect is being called for by both political parties and their leaders to handle the sobering reality of an assassination attempt on a campaigning Presidential candidate. A long period of distain, distrust, and disregard for the opinions/believes of others has dominated the US. Rather than a nation of red, white, and blue, we have divided into Red states and Blue states. Animosity for “the other” has metastasized. A nation of diversity, the U.S. need not be a nation of citizens doing harm to one another, where fisticuffs and more are the means for meeting the strong opinions of others.

Trump and his campaign are stressing the need for the nation to unite. Biden made unity the foundation of his Sunday Oval Office address. Neither candidate is calling for Americans to disavow their strong notions of what and how the nation ought be, ought be governed. Rather they are calling for the expression of these differences to be tempered with civility, without violence or souped-up distain.

Americans of differing persuasions root for the same sports team, are inspired by the same performances and achievements — human genome, Caitlin Clark, touchscreen glass, online streaming. Today 97% of Americans have cellphones and TVs, 94% eat pizza on a regular basis, surprisingly only 25% of Americans are right now wearing jeans.

Although not all who ought model civil behavior in times of crisis will abide by the requests of both candidates campaigning, let’s follow the news as it expands on the assassination attempt and bridle harmful responses. The U.S. in addition to other attributes has often been praised for its generosity. Let’s live it — generosity of spirit, of unity in a time of crisis, of strain, of challenge.

Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all. — Alexander the Great

Kathy Herald-Marlowe lives in Sharon.