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United We Stand, Divided We Fall
The Dangers of Divisiveness
The American Civil War divided the country with disastrous results: Americans pitted against other Americans in battle and the massive loss of 620,000 American lives. The country was divided over the racist institution of slavery. If we are not careful, history could repeat itself.
In the 1960s the country was divided over the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. Many Americans were firmly against the Vietnam War while others believed it was necessary. Families and friends were torn apart over the difference in beliefs. The Civil Rights Movement divided Americans over race and the rights of all Americans regardless of race. There was a decided difference in approaches to the battle for civil rights. Those against giving black Americans their full rights as citizens resorted to violence while those who marched for their freedom pursued non-violent means to demand their rights.
Today, our country is deeply divided over class, racism, women’s rights, immigration law and many other policies, as well as a deep division over our current President and his policies.
Most Americans see those on the other side of the political spectrum as evil, as wrong, as dangerous. This is a serious problem for our country.
