We have turned into a nation of extremists! Americans have become so polarized that they cannot fathom the opposition’s perspective. We immediately contest the other side’s views as wrong-headed before we even hear what they are. You are branded either as a right-wing wacko or a lefty pinko-commie; and, as such, you are against what is best for the nation as a whole. However, as Abraham Lincoln said, “You can’t please all the people all the time.”

Congress is in the thick of trying to get every American covered by health insurance. Yet because some of us are pro-life and others support a woman’s right to choose, we may not get any health care reform for anyone. Granted that it’s hard to compromise on life and death situations, but President Obama has cautioned Congress not to make the perfect the enemy of the good. While we argue on whether or not our tax dollars pay for an abortion, people are dying for lack of care. Personally, if I had my druthers, I would prefer not to have my taxes finance Bush’s wars. But we don’t get to choose–at least in most instances we don’t. And why shouldn’t I wish my Christian friends a Merry Christmas? (This is the Andy Rooney in me coming out…) I wish my Jewish friends Happy Chanukah and my pagan friends a Blessed Yule. (Yes, I have pagan friends.) Most of us liberals have a Merry Christmas phobia! I’m including myself in that, too. Conversely, one of my friends who is Wiccan objected when someone referred to “holiday trees.” She’d rather call them what they are, “Christmas trees.” Can it be that in an effort to be tolerant of all people we have swung to the other side of the spectrum and become intolerant of the individual? We are a nation of individuals as different and as diverse as you can find anywhere on earth. We have made it through well over two centuries by following the adage “I disagree with what you say, but I will defend unto death your right to say it.” I just have one request of both sides: Before you say it, think about what you’re saying and why you’re saying it. If it’s just to counter the opposition, think about it some more and make sure you really mean it.