Recently, the Kenosha Public Library asked local candidates to participate in an online survey of the book Soul of America by John Maecham as part of a series of programs dedicated to African-American History Month. However, because the survey was cancelled, I have decided to post my thoughts on the book and, in particular, the question of how our country can move from a politics of fear to a politics of hope.

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature” (Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address, 1861).

These famous words still ring true today. Though we are not involved in an actual civil war, sometimes it seems we are. The partisan divide in this country has increased enormously over the years. Historians debate the origin of this national cancer eating away at our democracy; however, one could argue that this enmity has always existed. Certainly, John Maecham points to specific moments in history when extremism, nativism, racism, and isolationism exacerbated ongoing fears and anxiety among the body politic, but I am more concerned with his solution to these ever-present problems.

In part, I want to reflect on the soul or “the vital center” of our politics, as Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. called it. Maecham claims that we can “right the ship” where the expansion of freedom and equality go hand in hand but not at the expense of the other. This can only be done in the pursuit of a politics of hope, not fear. Maecham states it eloquently in the following passage:

“The opposite of fear is hope, defined as the expectation of good fortune not only for ourselves but for the group to which we belong. Fear feeds anxiety and produces anger; hope, particularly in a political sense, breeds optimism and feelings of well-being. Fear is about limits; hope is about growth. Fear casts its eyes wearily, even shiftily across the landscape; hope looks forward, toward the horizon. Fear points at others, assigning blame; hope points ahead, working for a common good. Fear pushes away; hope pulls others closer. Fear divides; hope unifies” (p. 16).

So how can this be achieved?

Maecham sets forth several potential solutions to encourage the “better angels of our nature.” First, he says we must all enter the arena. By that he means as citizens, we all must participate. Politics is not just for the “professionals.” We all must be informed, engaged, and active participants in our communities.

Second, resist tribalism. This is probably one of the most difficult challenges today. However, accessing information from respected members of the opposition party and honestly confronting the positions of one’s opponents can open one’s mind to different perspectives. This can only happen, though, when there is an open-minded and free exchange of ideas which is not motivated by the desire to dominate or win an argument.

Third, respect facts and deploy reason. Unless we all assume the same rules of normal discourse, reasonable discussion cannot take place. Common ground must exist and functions as a pretext to a logical analysis of policy issues.

Fourth, find a critical balance. It is easy for those who are not politicians to criticize their representatives for all sorts of things, whether they are responsible for the alleged problem(s) or not. This is why it is so important to understand how government works so citizens don’t mistakenly blame politicians or give them undue credit either.

Lastly, keep history in mind. Maecham argues that we must all learn from history because history is our great guide in the present. It was said by Lord Acton that “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat its mistakes.”

In conclusion, Maecham argues we can overcome the politics of fear by becoming the type of people who honor and practice civic engagement, open-mindedness, rational discourse, balanced analysis of issues, and the respect of the past as it informs the present. These virtues will lead to the type of politics of hope for which we should all strive.