What Unites America

It is easy to say what divides America. There is a long list: White vs Black, Democrats vs, Republicans, Conservative Christians vs. GLBTQ, very wealthy vs. middle class and poor, male vs. female, and fundamentalist religions vs. mainstream and religiously unaffiliated groups. But what values and concerns affect all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual preference, political affiliation , gender or socio-economic status?

Our needs. Not beliefs or values. What unites Americans and all humankind are our basic human needs.

If our basic human needs of water, food, shelter, and safety are not met, we are not going to concern ourselves with politics, education, or who or who does not speak the same language we do. We are not going to make plans to go to a museum, parties, or have philosophical discussions on the meaning of life with our friends. Not having enough to eat or a roof over our heads are what we will worry about, not if we have a lot of likes on social media.

Maybe you have been there. Not knowing how you are going to pay your rent, or not having enough money to feed your family. Homelessness increased 18% from 2023 to 2024. Seventy-one percent of Americans worry about experiencing homelessness themselves.

We need rhe people we love to be safe. Only 18% of the population supported the movement to defund the police that many Democrat politicians promoted. Most Americans were against the movement for the obvious reason that despite the bad apples, police protect us from the bad guys and help to keep the streets safe.

It explains why so many independents voted for Donald Trump even though he is a convicted felon. The Democrats focused on uniting the country and preserving democracy, while the middle class and poor were worried about making ends meet, feeding their families and making sure their heat was not shut off in the winter.

Politiicans need to pay attention. If Trump's tariffs substantially lower prices and increase well-paying jobs, even the most liberal Americans will come to see their value. If ICE deports the great majority of illegal immigrants, crops will not be picked, and restaurants will not be able to rely on cheap labor. Food prices will increase dramatically, farms will go bankrupt and many conservative Americans will vote accordingly at the next elections.

The well-being of people we love will always come first. As it should.