“America Fourth?” (and other joyous schemes)

In this time of extreme civic disunity, when political platitudes calling for unity end 70% of op-eds, you’ve gotta wonder “united around what, exactly?” What does unity even mean when we disagree about so very much? Welp, you probably won’t be surprised we’ve got an idea or two…

Riffing along with our civic hero Dr. Danielle Allen, you have to start with basic agreements that are foundational (nonviolence as a basic norm, a supermajority for constitutional democracy, and full inclusion for all citizens).

We’re also wondering if the secret to a healthy America is to… wait for it… put “America Fourth!” Perhaps too much of our lives are now wrapped up in this life or death, us v. them struggle for us to be happy people. According to political scientist Eitan Hersh, this is making us insufferable “political hobbyists” who need to get a life? What if we can rediscover other higher loves — faith, family, art, travel, Star Wars trivia, whatever floats your particular boat. And in finding our loves again, maybe we even find each other?

We’ll be asking you to bring three things you’ll put ahead of America in the coming year.