Them

 Them: Why We Hate Each Other by Ben Sasse

2018

Weight: 1.06 lbs

Method of Disposal: Donating

I was drawn to this book when Trump was in office, and the growing division was unbelievable and stressful.  It seems like the damage has been happening for quite some time now and that now we cannot seem to turn it around.  We took a huge hit in the 2016 and 2020 elections, though they did not start it.  I was feeling frustrated and angry towards the Republican Party, and I was struggling to find compromise.  I was hoping this would be helpful and that, maybe, magically, someone had ideas on how we might heal from this.  Because the thing is, many people think you are for America or against America, but in actuality, many people who want America to change and are fighting for change, love America too.  That is why it is worth the effort and the pain.  There is an idea that compromise and learning and evolving is flip flopping, and this comes from both sides, but it is not.  It is necessary for our current political system.  And, when your side breaks the rules, no matter what side you are on, it will hurt your party in the future when it gets turned around.  We must be ethical and respectful, but how?

You will not find the answers here.  It is clear that the author has a lot of opinions and biases that are quite strong,  It almost felt as if he was saying, the answer for all of us to get along is to agree to embrace the same ideals, to embrace tradition and conservatism. That, clearly, will not be happening.  There must be some other way than agree with me, that is the answer.

That being said, I do think someone else should write a similar but better book that also covers news, social media, politics, and tribalism.  There is a lot in here that is interesting and worth a closer look, and there is a big problem in this country right now with division.  I wish I knew the answers.  I give him props for trying.

.