The stability of the United States—civil order, social order, and the things we depend on—is rapidly deteriorating. Anxiety is taking its toll. We will depend increasingly on the network of friendships and mutual support we are able to create in our local communities. Integrity is the key.

As friends and neighbors, we must rise above our differences—to make clear that, whatever happens, we will be loyal to one another and dependable in the here and now. We might not have answers to a particular question or the solution to a problem. We may not even understand one another’s pain or loss or fear, but we will be fully present to one another.

We are used to turning away from painful truths, or trying to chase away sorrow. But active caring and a supportive presence will be what truly matters now. Being fully present can speak truthfulness and trust even when words are not possible.
More than ever, we need this now.

We must learn how to care, to be supportive, even to those who are unattractive, who we cannot understand.

As we grow older, the meaning of interpersonal relationships and the importance of genuine caring, respectfulness, and responsibility sharpens and becomes clearer. Those whose loyalty embraces the American idea of freedom with responsibility will come together, despite our differences, to honor the original purpose of this nation.

As untidy and tumultuous as democracy can sometimes be, we will always be capable of recognizing integrity. Lies appear to become truths when they are repeated often enough, but that does not make them so.

The fragmentation of society has dominated our consciousness and can sometimes lead to a perception of reality as incoherent and disorganized, rather than an interdependent whole. Only our capacity for understanding and knowledge of what is truly real can overcome this illusion.

Incoherence is a human shortcoming. It is not truth.

You, dear reader, represent the future of humankind and the anchor to integrity. Together with the growing numbers who are committed to cooperation and reciprocity, we must live authentic community into being.

The local neighborhood is our challenge and field of endeavor. We have arrived on the threshold of a new and painful beginning, and there is no one else to do it.

Our blessings are given; they must now be lived into reality.

When we can turn to one another with a loyalty that speaks the language of unity, we will be empowered to honor the diversity that gives us strength, to dispel alienation, and to quench the flames of hate.

Then and only then will America come of age and finally approach the shining frontier of true liberty.

Tom

Regular readers can watch for the next post on or about April 2.

My forthcoming book, “Liberty and the American Idea,” is now with the publisher. I expect it to be available in May. The Introduction, Table of Contents, and several chapters can be found at the top of the homepage.