From My Head and My Heart, America where are we and where are we headed?

The American journey spans more than 300 years. While government, politics, and religion have been ever-present in our country, these three topics enjoy almost no thoughtful dialog in today's society. Friends and families have learned "don't go there." Our self-imposed echo-chambers beat out monotone themes. Themes that no doubt feel validating. However, unless we begin to attentively assess and discuss our views, we'll continue our journey...along widening fault lines. As the current trend of assigning labels, names, motivations, and ultimately judgements grows, we're fracturing our nation. At the root, emotions hold great sway in today's culture. Feelings reign supreme, guiding much of what underpins American's outlooks and perspectives. Correspondingly, we seem to minimize the value of engaging our brains regarding issues confronting our nation. But we don't have to continue on this pathway. Increased willingness to think and reflect can be part of how each of us operates. These actions will better equip us to listen, discuss, and act. The essays in this book are my attempt at taking on some of these issues, from my heart and my head.