My Response to a Time of War and Division
With the war in Iran, I pray for the safety of our troops and all innocent civilians. I also pray for the health of our nation.
Let me be clear. I am not a politician. I do not seek to make a political argument here. Indeed, I wish to make a human and cultural plea at this pivotal moment.
I fear this new war will inevitably increase fragmentation and division here at home. Together with other recent trends and events—such as the growing negative impact of the Internet, looming AI challenges, the Epstein files, and the upcoming midterms, among others—we can feel like we've lost control over our present and our future.
Is there an antidote? Yes. But we must seize it. Together.
A while back, I spoke to the World Affairs Council in Pennsylvania. I told the gathering we are only as strong abroad as we are at home. The situation now unfolding before us is a stark reminder of this reality.
There is an urgent need to galvanize our fragmented, divided, and hurting nation. Such an effort must transcend politics, and speak directly and plainly to people’s yearning for a sense of common purpose, belonging, shared action, and healing.
Of course, each of us must vote. Debate issues. Speak out. This is part and parcel of the American experiment. Much is at stake.
But politics alone cannot—and will not—feed what so many Americans are deeply yearning for.
We need a civic response. One that calls us to our better selves. Offers a sense of possibility and hope. And provides a practical path forward.
We need to get on a new civic path. Where we turn outward toward one another, especially to those we disagree with or who are different from ourselves. Where we figure out what we can agree on and get moving on that amid our real differences. And where we build together.
We cannot wait for politicians. They will not call for a new civic path.
We must do this. The urgency grows.
We need each other. Join us. Let’s go together.
