As we observe another President’s Day holiday, it might be well to remember the words of one of our most respected presidents, Mr. Lincoln. Although he was a Republican, he is often cited as a great leader by both political parties. In his speech of June 16, 1858, with regard to the turmoil among the states over the issue of slavery, President Lincoln stated “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” We know that within a matter of a few years, the country did indeed, split resulting in a terrible civil war costing massive resources and the loss of more than 600,000 lives.

Although the war was ended by surrender and the country reunited, it seems that the scars have never fully healed and once again we are a country in great turmoil, and newly divided in more ways than we could have imagined 150 years ago. It is not the issue of slavery, North-South economies, or states’ rights, but rather the unresolved bigotry, as well as a myriad of other deeply rooted inequalities that seem to be driving the current conflicts.

The gap between rich and poor has widened to a point never before seen in history, resulting in a huge class divide. Political and social issues, long thought to be resolved, of civil rights, voting rights, immigration, labor rights, abortion rights, women’s equality, and the separation of church and state have all been brought back into contention. It seems that “we the people” are being attacked on all fronts, not only by outside terrorists, but from within. We have become an increasingly uncivil society as evidenced by the rants on the radio and in blogs. Added to this tense atmosphere is our tolerance of violence, the worship of money and the waning of common sense and ethics. We are afraid of diversity, armed to the teeth, and distrusting of well established science and medicine. In the 21st century, when more of the world is making huge strides in education, growing their economies, and embracing new technologies, we seem to be sliding backwards, destroying our middle class and racing to the bottom.

The only thing worth looking backward at is the Constitution and its intent for a just and equal society built on law and administered through a democratic republic that answered to the people. If we can’t do that, we do indeed risk falling to ruin.

Susan Chichetto
Bath