One nation, bitterly divided, as always.
“The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges or churches . but always most in the common people,” Walt Whitman wrote in his preface to “Leave of Grass,” lauding «. their deathless attachment to freedom.”
As satisfying as it is to offer such quotes at face value, as eternal truths — Walt Whitman said it, he’s famous, so it must be true — this one might merit a little picking apart.
First, the line was written in 1855. Meaning the American public’s attachment to freedom wasn’t so deathless that the country wouldn’t soon be ripped apart in civil war over whether fellow human beings should be kept as slaves.
Who were these common people, anyway? Who are they now? The millions who turned out Saturday for massive “No Kings” rallies across the country? Or the millions more who voted for the president three times? Who support him now, and who will continue to do so no matter what. Even if he runs for a third term in direct violation of the U.S. Constitution?
We were divided then. We are divided now. In 2024, 49.8% of voters cast a ballot for Donald Trump. And 48.3% voted for Kamala Harris. Almost an even split.
Once, a tight election might have led to efforts toward bridge building, reconciliation. Now Trump is implementing radical change by executive fiat, without congressional approval or concern for public reaction, which was in full cry Saturday.
I slid over to the “No Kings” protest in Highland Park and was immediately struck by just how old everybody seemed.
