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Karen Simon's avatar

The US was unable to bridge the divide after the civil war. I have little hope for it now unless something catastrophic happens.

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Margot Potter's avatar

I feel like something catastrophic happened on January 20th...but, unfortunately, I don't think a significant portion of our population has figured that out yet.

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Jim Sanders's avatar

‘Genetics make up about half of our political equation, but childhood or other trauma may also play a significant role in our diametrically opposed world views. Trauma creates dramatic shifts in our bodies, down to the cellular level. Our trauma can be passed on to our children genetically.’

Welcome to the world of epigenetics.

Being a student of both Chaos and Complexity Theories, I can often bridle my amygdala to a trot avoiding a run-away gallop.

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Margot Potter's avatar

That’s a useful skill!

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Jim Sanders's avatar

However, sometimes the amygdala cannot be bridled, at least at first.

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Phil Mayes's avatar

Nice post. I knew most of this already, but you put it together well. I have speculated that 1) evolution always happens; 2) humans transmit through culture as well as DNA; 3) culture changes faster; 4) the internet allows global connectedness, which is partly why: 5) a post-tribal one-world viewpoint is arising. https://philmayes.substack.com/p/what-is-the-path-forward-for-humanity

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Margot Potter's avatar

Thank you! I retain hope.

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bobbie cottrill's avatar

Yes something catastrophic happened on January 20th.....but can it be reversed and if so how does America do that, when so many refuse to or can't see the problem 🤔. There is no room for misplaced pride..get over it, they screwed up...their pride has nothing to do with it, pride only makes it worse..bury the pride and do the right thing...I love your essays...keep sharing... ❤️❤️

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Margot Potter's avatar

I retain hope that the incompetency and blatant hatefulness and corruption of this adminstration as they steal our tax dollars to line the pockets of the oligarchs will wake up the people who have not been paying attention. If enough of us are awake and aware and determined, perhaps we can wrench this back.

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Jim Sanders's avatar

For me,

Hope is an ice cube

That slowly melts

In the warm tea

Of reality

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