We live, it is widely and loudly asserted, in a deeply divided nation in which the two main polar extremes, Left and Right, cannot get along and will never be able to agree on anything at all, not to mention all the innumerable smaller factions and splinter groups who simply are at irreconcilable odds with no chance of ever achieving even a smidgeon of tolerance for each other, let alone actually working together for a better world.
“I am not going to waste your time debunking these assertions. They have been repeatedly, exhaustively debunked. You know what they are and you either believe them or you don’t. Either way, reviewing and debunking them again isn’t going to change a thing.” — C.J. Hopkins, Fear and Loathing in the New Normal Reich, Skyhorse Publishing 2025, pg. 77.
Well, admittedly, I have jerked C.J.’s statement completely out of context and applied it to another issue entirely, but the fact remains that there are an incredible amount of people in America today who are constantly making assertions about the divisions and disconnectedness among the populace. (My apologies to you, C.J. for the slight.)
OK, enough digression. Back to business. We have work to do.
One of the most common of the assertions is that “they” are constantly keeping us stirred up and fomenting trouble between “us”, with the expectation that “we” will focus on fighting with each other instead of “them”. You know what I mean, the Superior Elites against the Countless Masses.
“The goal is clearly to keep us divided so the plutocrats can keep doing what they are doing.” — from an undisclosed source, but the sentiment is widespread
Well, if this is the goal, then it seems logical that we figure out what we have to do to defeat it. Wouldn’t you think that, if “they” want to keep us divided and “we” are trying to resist them so that “they” don’t win the game, then “we” should stop doing whatever it is that divides “us”? Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it? Just stop being divided and “their” power over us is immediately shredded like so much confetti, but, as with any conundrum, the knowing comes easier than the doing. It is quite elementary to say that we really ought to get along with each other in a spirit of cooperation, but actually bringing ourselves to act on it is a horse of a different color.
But, that raises a question. Why is it so difficult to get along with others? I will leave it there for you to ponder. If you come up with an answer and want to share it, feel free to write a comment. OK, OK, here’s a hint.
Step 1: Examine yourself and admit that you might have something to do with the problem. Identify those areas within your own life which make it hard for other people to get along with you. (Notice that the thrust of the argument has been flipped. It’s not that you find it hard to get along with others, but that they find it hard to get along with you. If this rings true, then Step 2 should be easy for you to figure out.)
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
By the time you work your way through all of these steps, each one leading naturally to the next, the problem should have been resolved. BTW, if you need some help with this exercise, I recommend you go to https://bionicmosquito.substack.com/p/the-teaching-that-is-foolishness and work your way through this simple, yet comprehensive study on the Beatitudes.
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” — Romans 12:18
Poor Roger's Almanac 
Roger, thank you for the link. I have been thinking about this topic for awhile, and may write something on it at my original blog. I think you are wise to start with examining ourselves – as every such situation requires this.
Yet, it is interesting to consider the Beatitudes as a guide to this endeavor. I always keep in mind, if we follow the Beatitudes we will be persecuted. So, at least on one level, this doesn’t sound like “getting along.”
I know how to superficially get along: stick to talking sports and music. Nothing of real substance. But this isn’t the Beatitudes.
So…maybe we need to think a little differently about what it means to get along? I think you are on to something, but the apostles and saints who lived the Beatitudes ended up martyred – most definitely others didn’t get along with them.
Thoughts? Because I am at a bit of a loss.
I think it is important to make a distinction here. I am working my way through the relations we have with those around us, the ones we are closest to, family, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, etc. With respect to them, we can achieve peace and cooperative harmony for the most part, that is, as long as it depends on our attitude toward them, in which the main driving principle is the 2nd Greatest Commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”, which is equivalent to the 1st Great Commandment, “Love the Lord you God with all your heart, soul, and mind.” This is possible for anyone.
This is not the same as “getting along” with powerbrokers and would-be kings, who are not interested in peaceful harmony, but only with more power and control over us and the extent to which we subject ourselves to their rule. We “get along” with them by bowing and submitting to their rule and dictates. It is these types whom the Apostles and Prophets of old could not “get along” with, being martyred not so much for their adherence to the Beatitudes, but because they spoke truth to power and had developed a substantial following of their own which constituted a threat to the very seats of power themselves.
You and I (anyone else like us) might someday run afoul of these people and suffer greatly for it, but that possibility remains small simply because we do not have the backing and support of a great number of followers and are not (at this time) seen as a potential danger, therefore, we can “get along” with them. If we are ever hauled in front of their courts, the choice we must make is to either bow before them or to stand firm in our convictions and become martyrs, so to speak. However, we will never reach that point unless we have taken the steps necessary to live at peace with those first mentioned and learned how to “get along” with them, as much as it depends on us. It seems to me that we should not worry about conflict with TPTB and should instead focus our attention and time on attaining peaceful relations with those within our sphere of influence, some of whom will never agree with us on many subjects but all of whom we should strive to love as we are commanded. Starting here may lead to our becoming martyrs (that is uncertain), but it is guaranteed that we will, at the very least, gain peace with ourselves and almost as certainly, peace with our neighbors, at least those who are willing to accept that and reciprocate.
Roger, I am thinking specifically of those close to me – family, neighbors, etc. I will write on this at the old blog, as mentioned. We can pick up the conversation there, if you like – I will value your thoughts on what I have to write.
I will be watching for it. Thanks, and I don’t mind passing off the baton.