In recent times, our nation has teetered on the edge of a dangerous precipice. The polarization of our political landscape is unprecedented. Both sides view each other not just as opponents but as existential threats to their way of life. This mutual distrust has given birth to violent rhetoric and indeed violence itself. Think of January 6 and the rioting following the homicide of George Floyd.


The rise of social media has amplified our divisions, providing a platform for extreme voices and wild conspiracy theories vilifying and demonizing adversaries. Threats are ubiquitous—even against volunteer apolitical poll workers. We are trending towards the Kalashnikov culture of Pakistan and substituting bullets for ballots—the rule of the jungle for the rule of law.