Yes, Virginia … and our other 49 states, there is, and will continue to be, a United States of America.
In history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, written to the editor of the New York Sun in 1897, 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon asked for a definitive answer as to whether there is, or is not, a Santa Claus.
Behind Virginia’s letter is a concept we are all too likely to forget in these fraught times. Although she is questioning the existence of a mythical figure, underlying her question is a basic premise with powerful political acumen. It has to do with the spirit of humanity and, when applied to our country, the spirit of our nation.
There are ample issues for disagreement and dissension in the United States, intensified by a political system embracing extremes. Human rights debates, racial equality, gun legislation or the lack thereof, abortion debate, how our children are taught, even how we define an individual — all fodder for argument.
Reeling from our recent election, half our electorate is jubilant with victory, half despondent in defeat. And there is no end to the arguments: controversy over our country’s leadership role in the world, questions about the integrity of our institutions and lawmakers, apprehension about the future, etc. The right veering further right, the left holding desperately to the left. And everybody absolutely believes he or she, or they, are RIGHT!