Conflicted ideologies

How to make sense of it? This division among us, so strong, so complete. Yes, the Civil War more than a century and a half gone, and Vietnam, still remembered by my generation, produced massive incompatibilities between our citizens. However, there is a difference between then and now. Blood and treasure were sacrificed then, fueling the always combative nature of our country’s people. Today, no blood has flowed … yet. So far, this is a conflict of emotions and ideologies. Of course, it always starts the same way.

Nowadays, most of us watch cable news, and some of us read the liberal and conservative editorials and blogs. Like it or not, these are the tools we use to build our views. What else is there? With the exception of Fox News, which is a propaganda machine for the Trump White House (or maybe visa versa), news outlets like ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, CNN, HLN, PBS, and even BBC cover this presidency as well as can be expected.

What happened? I just lost most op-ed readers in our natural state. I identified myself as the enemy to 40 percent of the national electorate. Comprehensive immigration reform … of course, but what does that mean? I don’t know what it means, the Dems won’t be specific, but it can’t include sending parents back to Central America while their children are shuttled to Seattle and New York City. In the 21st century, health care for all citizens … of course. How can Americans allow the early termination of life because of one’s income and yet express unbridled compassion for the unborn? Restricting access to voting because today’s demographics favor a democratic constituency is temporarily effective, but how can it be constitutional? On and on and on.

There is a right and wrong of a thing, but perspective blurs the line. I am a reluctant foe to so many, but what choice do I have?

MIKE FRATERIGO

Little Rock