Too much bickering

Much has been said about today’s politics causing the separation of Americans from each other and that polarization and the loss of courtesy have taken a toll. Most of the divisiveness has been caused by us, but some has been exacerbated by a foreign adversary (“Before her arrest as an alleged Russian agent, Maria Butina’s proud defense of her homeland drew notice at American University,” July 25).

Democracy requires vigorous debate in order to hammer out those values and policies best for the common good and to express the will of the people. Personal or tribal attacks based on fear, anger and the absence of facts or reason, however, are corrosive and a threat to our community.

Beneath superficial labels, Americans have much in common with each other — even in an election year. Most families need, want and deserve peace and prosperity or, if you prefer, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” And everyone wants effective and responsive government, protection from enemies foreign or domestic, and leaders at every level who unite us. Only Russian President Vladimir Putin wants it to be us versus us, instead of us versus him.

If it’s true we have more in common with our neighbors than whatever separates us and we’re able to happily and passionately root for our Ravens and Orioles beside folks who hold different political views, doesn’t it make sense to display that same tolerance when rooting for the most important home team — our country?