You Are My Brother     by B. Kenneth McGee

You and I don't like each other very much. You see, I am a liberal and you are a conservative. Hate is too strong a word but in the last several years we have grown to literally despise each other. It wasn't always that way. We had disagreements and had much different views on many subjects but we most often listened and spoke civilly. What has happened to us, you and I? On September 11, 2001, we held each other, cried together, and we were all Americans that day. Race, creed, religion, or national origin did not muddy our relations or our feelings for each other. They did not stand in our way. We were as one. We were all brothers and sisters. What happened to us?

We have become so divided that we cannot speak to other in civil terms. If we were on opposite demonstrations across the street from each other, our faces would be contorted with rage, our insults personal and demeaning. Some of us would be close to committing violence. What has happened to us?

I am as guilty as you. I think of you in terrible terms and if I don't say them to your face I do so behind your back. You are a bigot, a racist, a homophobic, and a Bible thumping hypocrite. To me your patriotism is so misplaced that you are a danger to our democracy.

To you, I am a misguided, fuzzy headed, latte drinking, SUV, driving nut case. I am a friend to the enemy, a coward, and I undermine all that is right about our country. I do not have a faith that is worthy of God and I am a libertine and immoral.

I think that the leadership of our country is totally bankrupt of our democratic ideals. You think that I and those like me don't have any ideals.

We are so far apart, you and I, it just seem like there could never be any reconciliation. But, you know something? If I was lying by the side of the road or if I had a jar at the local Zip Mart asking for money for a cancer treatment I couldn't afford, if something terrible happened at the school, you would be the first to help me and I would be the first to help you. You see that is what happened to each and every one of we Americans on September 11, 2001. We were hurt, terribly hurt, you and I. We looked in each other's eyes, we felt each others pain and we were like a family and it didn't make one darn bit of difference if we were Democrats or Republicans, if we were black or white, or if we went to different churches or any church at all. Our national conscience was in anguish and we reached out to each other, we held each other, and we were a family.

Well---we are not in very good shape right now, you and I. The election is in a few days and no matter what happens there is going to continue to be hard feelings, anger, and bitterness. Of course I am rooting for my side as you are for yours. But what joy is there to be in winning if we are back on the picket lines (theoretical) with red faces contorted with rage, hurling insults, and despising each other. That is the real victory for the enemies of our country. If they or anyone in our government on either side has caused our family to splinter, then we have lost our meaning and we have lost our way. Is there any way we can agree to disagree and do so with decency and love.

I am extending my hand as I say a prayer. Will you take it? I do not believe it is Gods will that we destroy our own family. After all, you are my brother.