The cartoon above isn’t so much targeted at readers of Hope n’ Change (a singularly well-informed, logical, and compassionate group of people) so much as an expression of our sense that the American people are being very actively manipulated into division and confrontation by those who actually hate our nation, desire power, or simply want ratings or celebrity – even purchased with the blood of innocents.

Sadly, it’s become a sick tradition that as a presidential election nears, myriad forces try to kindle hatred and fear in the voting population – no matter what the damage to our national morale. It’s a special kind of treason and a despicable betrayal of the public trust.

Hope n’ Change isn’t suggesting that anyone should tune out either real problems or sincere discussions about possible solutions. We can’t – and must never – turn our backs on tragedies or social injustice.

But there is an appalling and perhaps unprecedented amount of ugly political manipulation assaulting our senses right now, and to be entirely truthful it scares us.

We wish we had great insights and wisdom to share, but we don’t. Rather, we present a handful of common sense suggestions:

• Don’t believe that things are as bad as we’re being told.
• Don’t ever forget to factor in the political goals of those who are giving us bad news.
• Don’t help spread half-truths or “adding fuel to the fire” speculations via social media.
• Let’s continue to believe in the overwhelming goodness and decency of our fellow Americans even as we decry the loss of those virtues in our media and political leadership.

ADDITIONAL: DONATE TO THE FAMILIES

If you want to make a donation to the families of the police officers killed in Dallas, we’re recommending Glenn Beck’s Mercury One Fund for Fallen Police Officers. They promise to distribute 100% of every donation directly to the families affected.

This article is republished with permission from our friend Stilton Jarlsberg at Hope n’Change