I had to stop reading 1/2 through your piece because what you write has already happened and I started to weep. I don't have the luxury to breakdown just now.

Have we allowed the current climate of divisiveness to infect us as a nation? I think so.

A friend posted this in FB:

“Is it wrong of me to think that the fake virus adherents and no-maskers should get a placebo?”

Many piled on – no, anti maskers etc need to be punished...

I responded: “For me it’s not a matter of right or wrong - for me it’s about (being) compassionate. How are we going to be able to heal the great divide in our nation with this kind of approach?”

My sense is that we are a nation of separate peoples with facades of righteousness and/or shielded by a protective numbness that cover over our vulnerable feelings. We don't dare drop them for fear of total collapse and no one will be there to help us.

Underneath the righteousness and fears we all share common feelings to feel loved, to feel safe, to feel connection, to have shelter and warmth against the cold, to have enough to eat, to be listened to, heard and understood - acknowledged, respected and honored.

And its not happening unless we try. I have been and its difficult. But what else is there to do other than succumb to the numbness and "the new normal"?