In case you hadn’t noticed, my boss writes a lot. Today John’s column is on the current national and state political situation, which he describes as a colossal mess. His recommendation:
It might not sound like it to you, but I remain an optimist. I think the current moment will pass. It has to. At the national level, I’m with Paul Ryan on this — the outlines of a short-term deal to make significant progress on entitlement and tax reform are obvious, even as both sides reserve the right to debate their fundamental disagreements for years to come. Similarly, I think that North Carolinians with diverse views but consonant goals have no lack of avenues for cooperation on issues such as transportation, education, and even health care reform. (I am even working on a new initiative along those lines, tentatively called the Carolina Consensus. More details later.)
To hasten the passing of the current moment, we can all do these three things. First, stop watching or reading only media outlets with which you already agree. Second, stop tweeting every passing thought, fancy, or insult. Third, treat those with whom you disagree the way you would like them to treat you.