America’s Current State of Affairs
The list of controversial policies seems endless, and these are undeniably troubling, anxious times. Controversy—often by design—is divisive. It creates a sense of instability among the general population and is used by those in positions of influence to keep their opposition off balance. When deployed strategically, controversy can be an effective tool to distract competitors in business or athletics, shifting focus long enough to create an opportunistic environment in which one can flourish.
We have lived through difficult eras before, but during those times we had faith in our leaders—faith that they would guide us with purpose, helping us emerge stronger and more determined to improve the world. We believed in the institutions they served, trusting that history and precedent would guide them toward outcomes that reflected wisdom and collective benefit.
Today, traditional media, social media, bloggers, writers, editorialists, and journalists remind us daily of the widening divisions not only in the United States, but across the globe. Power and influence are no longer consistently used for the greater good. Instead, some elected officials are exploiting them for personal gain and to exert control over the very people who entrusted them with authority. Most recently, power and influence were weaponized to dismantle procedural norms in one of our most revered legislative bodies—the United States Senate.
“Them” and “we” have become weapons in our modern vocabulary, casting blame and driving us further apart, even though, ultimately, there is only we. We share one planet—made smaller every day by instantaneous communication and satellite imagery. Yet we have reached a moment in history where the pursuit of power has overshadowed our willingness to extend a hand to anyone with even the slightest difference of opinion. Diplomacy and dialogue have been set aside, replaced with antagonism and an absence of adult communication.
Wars were once fought to maintain stability and protect freedoms, yet today too many are launched for personal gain or control, benefiting powerful elites while ordinary people die as a consequence of their ambitions. A few weeks ago, my pastor reminded our congregation: “We are safer when we are friends with our neighbors rather than fearing them or viewing them as enemies.” Simple words—but profound. If we cannot build friendship with our neighbors, whether they live next door or across the world, we risk turning them into adversaries.
The future of our democracy—built and sustained over 238 years—is being undermined by leaders who are no longer looking forward, but instead remain obsessed with resurrecting policies of the past. Never before have those in power been so fixated on dismantling the progress of previous administrations. Change is inevitable. Evolution is necessary. Effective leaders must adapt if they are to remain relevant and serve their constituencies—even when change is uncomfortable. But erasing history destroys the very foundation upon which a better future must be built.
Dialogue is the answer. And dialogue requires both sides to engage. Otherwise, we are left with finger-pointing and name-calling—the tactics of schoolyard bullies whose only true objective is power and control.
Is this America’s current state of affairs…?
