WE ARE PASSING through one of the most transformative periods in human history. The emergence of disruptive technologies, the material ascendance of billions of people, and a clash of political, moral, and economic ideals not seen since the Cold War have thrown the global community into a state of rapid change. Many of the established conventions and institutions for governing human interactions are struggling to adapt to new realities and new obstacles. While this change is well under way, no one is sure where it is headed or when it will run its course.
At the beginning of the 21st century the American republic finds itself in a difficult position. Still the wealthiest nation on the planet, still its preeminent military and diplomatic power, it faces troubling challenges both at home and abroad. The vision of liberal capitalism, the promise of personal and political freedom, and the blueprint for material prosperity that are enshrined in our laws and our culture are facing a crisis of legitimacy. That is not to say they are broken beyond repair, or broken at all for that matter, but the driving paradigm behind modernity must resolve some serious dilemmas it did not foresee.
While Americans disagree intensely about national politics, it is important to realize that not all disagreement stems from differing values. Some of the questions we face have real answers, and to continue thriving as a nation, answers must be found. We hope for this site to be a nexus of informed dialogue that works towards resolution and, when necessary, solutions. To that end, we invite anyone to share their thoughts, opinions, and knowledge about the challenges our country faces.
We ask everyone to accept one basic truth: you will be misinformed, and sometimes flat out wrong. This applies to everyone, and it applies often. Fixing the divide in American politics starts here, with having the courage to admit our errors before our peers.
Lastly, it is sometimes useful to remember that the topics of our political dialogue, things like climate change, sustainability, building oil pipelines, protecting our border, and supporting a strong economy, all exist above a ground of common interest. We all want to live in pursuit of the spiritual and recreational ends that make our lives fulfilling. We want the dignity of fair treatment in a community of peers, one where social status is achieved by individual merit. Finally, we want this existence to last for ourselves and future generations. Disagreement over the policy and legal issues of the day stem from misunderstandings about what these issues mean in the context of common interests. It’s time to correct that.
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