E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one. In a time when our national motto seems in danger of splintering, I am grappling with what it means to be one out of the many, how to maintain the strength of one’s convictions while seeking some sort of unity with those whose convictions are pulling them in the opposite direction. How do we all pull together for a secure and peaceful country that will last for future generations when, at the moment, we seem to be using our oars to bash one another over the head rather than as a means of propelling us forward?
In his recent interview with Joe Rogan, Secretary Robert Kennedy spoke of his surprise discovery that, to paraphrase, all Republicans weren’t greedy Bond villains, rubbing their hands together and only looking to line their pockets and oppress the poor. Despite being the descendant of Democrat royalty, he has found that they share many common aims. I’m sure that if you asked many Republicans, they would share equally hyper-stereotypical impressions of their impression of those on the left.
So I thought it might be a helpful exercise for me, and hopefully for you, to consider the values behind some of the most hotly contested issues of our day and see if, despite dramatically differing conclusions, there are shared 
principles somewhere in the middle. By doing so, I don’t seek to convince anyone of my conclusions but first to convince myself that my stances are a result of considered examination rather than knee-jerk party line adherences and, secondly, to show those who disagree with me that, despite our disagreement, we share at least some common goals or assumptions. Let us do battle in the arena of ideas rather than attempt to assassinate one another’s character and motives.
Misogyny is an evil reality and should be weeded out. I would define misogyny simply as a degrading attitude towards women as inferior, deserving of objectification and disdain. Surely this is something we can all agree is wrong. How can we be “unum” if we aren’t moral equals? While I am sure most can agree on the definition, the diagnosis and cure are where we differ. I see the masculinization of women in film and popular culture (the omni-competent female action hero who defies biology by besting men in physical as well as mental feats while maintaining a flat, near emotionless cool) as grossly misogynistic. I also believe the movement to include biological men in women’s sports and spaces to be a similar victimization based on sex. You can disagree, but hopefully you can see that a defense of this position doesn’t have to be rooted in hatred; it can be just the opposite—a deep respect and love for women who possess unique and distinct qualities that make them, yes, strong and capable in many ways, but also vulnerable and in need of protection in others.
Speaking of those we seek to protect, I think we can all agree that it is the duty of the strong to protect the weak and defenseless. As a conservative and a Christian, this principle is based on both the biblical mandate to protect widows and orphans and the theological principle that human beings are created in the image of God. It leads me to be pro-life, valuing the unborn as image bearers and seeking to protect them in their helplessness. It is also the basis of my stance on illegal immigration which victimizes so many: the working class who are forced to compete for jobs with those willing to accept lower wages, victims of the crimes committed by those in our country illegally, as well as the illegal immigrants themselves, especially women and children, who suffer horrific brutality on their journey northward, are often subject to trafficking and at a minimum find themselves living in the shadows of our society due to their legal standing, or lack thereof. You may share this desire to protect and serve these groups while landing at dramatically differing viewpoints, but let us together lay down the weapons of slander and gross misrepresentation to reason. Let us turn our ire to those who seek to exploit rather than on those who seek to defend.
Democracy is worth defending. What a noble and, frankly, obvious statement for all patriots to affirm. And yet I have heard this slogan pointedly leveled at the occupants of both sides of the aisle by those who believe themselves to be Lady Liberty’s knight in shining armor. For me, this is the basis of my position on voter ID laws, honoring our laws and those who enforce them, as well as the lawful exercise of our Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, such as freedom of speech and religion. One’s exercise of these rights must be honored, while acknowledging and respecting the rights of others to do the same.
I would love to hear your honest thoughts on these principles. I know this has been a useful experiment for me, and I hope it has been for you as well. While writing, I have attempted to put myself in the shoes of those with whom I strongly disagree and, rather than dismiss their solutions, look at the foundation on which they are built. Perhaps by doing so, we can all agree to get in the same canoe, put our oars in the water and row together. If done correctly, we can course correct for one another, allowing neither to go too far in one direction or another. Many working to create and preserve the one. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.