Letter: America, what kind of people are we?

The recent dismantling in Washington and the ensuing turmoil have been brewing for decades.

Failing to acknowledge our shortcomings, Americans quickly blame political parties and their leaders. Rarely, do we blame ourselves.

For example, presidential election data from the University of Florida Election Lab finds that in 2024 nearly 90 million eligible voters did not vote. At such a pivotal time in America, that is unconscionable.

Additionally, a newly elected president at the stroke of a pen can overturn decisions championed by the previous president.

I don’t understand why leaders take pride in these selfish, vengeful reversals.

In the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag, we purport these beliefs: “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Those beliefs are eroding.

Recent data on religion in America from the Pew Research Center shows we are no longer “one nation under God.”

On a daily basis, our division is rarely absent. Even houses of worship experience disunity.

As for liberty and justice for all, “all” keeps losing ground.

In the famous “They call me Mr. Tibbs” scene from the movie “In The Heat Of The Night,” two piercing questions are asked: “My God what kind of people are you? What kind of place is this?”

Those questions roil through my heart everyday.

Part of me wonders if America is experiencing its own internal D-Day.

Will we implode because our hearts have been misguided and overtaken by disrespect, fear, greed, hate, incivility, revenge and selfishness?

H.L. Mencken wrote: “The men the American people admire most extravagantly are the most daring liars; the men they detest most violently are those who try to tell the truth.”

America, what kind of people are we, what kind of place is this?

Bill Pike.

Henrico.

Author’s note: This letter was published in the Thursday, March 20 on-line edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The letter started as an 800 word op-ed piece. The editors declined the op-ed, but wondered if I could cut 500 words and make it into a 300 word letter. Somehow, I trimmed 500 words. If by chance the letter resonates with you, please share it. Thanks for your reading time be safe, Bill Pike