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Opinion | We are divided but have the tools to become a ‘more perfect union’
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To say the United States and Michigan are divided is a colossal understatement.
It should not be lost on anyone that the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination occurred on the eve of the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. For a brief period in 2001, the US experienced a profound sense of patriotism and pushed political partisanship to the background.
Today, we are at a crossroads. As a nation, we should embrace the words of President Bill Clinton during his first inauguration: “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.”
To help do that, we can look closer to home to the work of two Michigan journalists: Detroit News Editorial Page Editor Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson, an adviser for BridgeDetroit.
In 2020, they launched the Civility Project with longtime journalist Lynne Golodner to teach how to debate issues and have respectful dialogues, even amid sharp political differences. They have recently published “The Civility Book” as an extension of that mission, providing practical strategies for fostering civility in everyday interactions.
It is a guide to building the needed shared vision and common agenda across the gulf that separates us. This easy-to-read guide provides lessons, probing questions, a robust detailed curriculum and an extensive appendix of resources outlining ongoing efforts to advance a more cohesive society.
In less than a year, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Detroit, which served as the “Arsenal of Democracy” in World War II, can help lead the way to the US’ promise of a “more perfect union” by practicing civility.
It should be everyone’s goal to be more united as a nation when we reach our 250 milestone of freedom than we are today. We cannot afford to sit back hoping someone else will do the right thing to help unite this nation. The hour is late, but all is not lost. It is all of our responsibility to listen, learn and come together as a nation.
Let’s not miss another opportunity.
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