Here we find ourselves on the brink of a much anticipated election. We are on the edge of a cliff, overlooking a precipice we need to overcome to reach the next step in history. Whether we land on solid ground, let alone take the leap united remains to be seen. Why is this gap so daunting this year?

My high school history teacher Father Justin Grose is worried for our country. Last year, I was able to visit him as he reflected on the polarization and unwillingness to listen that has affected all of us. “At some point the preconceived notion of what the opposing party represents clouds judgement and drives divisiveness to a breaking point.” He mused.

An example of this “breaking point” is illustrated in a classic childhood read of mine, Gulliver’s Travels, by Jonathan Swift. The main character, Gulliver, finds himself on the island of Lilliput during his journey. The tiny inhabitants are locked war with the neighboring island of Blefuscu that resulted from indecision on which side an egg should be cracked. War had been rampant throughout the land with no resolution in sight, and to the external observer, appeared a ridiculous position on which to stake a flag.

Please, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. If someone says they are a *buzz word* Trump supporter or a Biden supporter, ask why and listen! If we are not willing to discuss our differences as a nation we will remain locked in conflict, stuck on this side of a widening precipice before us, and unwilling to work together to jump to the other side. I don’t know about you, but that is not where I want to be.