What Unites Us, an instant New York Times Bestseller written by Dan Rather and Elliot Kirschner, was published in November of 2017 following a tough Presidential election in 2016. I just finished reading this book on the eve of the 2020 Presidential election in a time of extreme divisiveness in this country.
Dan Rather is a household name to many. He has had a career in journalism spanning over 60 years and is well known and respected all over the world. Elliot Kirschner was the producer of CBS Evening News, CBS Sunday Morning, 60 Minutes II, and of Dan Rather Reports. These two gentleman deserve more credit than I have given them here so please take a look at their credentials on your own.
What is patriotism? The first chapter of this book is devoted to patriotism. Rather writes,
“It is important not to confuse ‘patriotism’ with ‘nationalism’. As I define it, nationalism is a monologue in which you place your country in a position of moral and cultural supremacy over others. Patriotism, while deeply personal, is a dialogue with your fellow citizens, and a larger world, about what you love about your country but also how it can be improved. Patriotism is rooted in humility. Nationalism is rooted in arrogance.”
”Patriotism – active, constructive patriotism – takes work. It takes knowledge, engagement with those who are different from you, and fairness in law and opportunity.”
I love this outline of what patriotism is and who we should strive to be as patriots of the United States.
Next, Rather addresses empathy. He speaks about how empathy was demonstrated in his younger years as simply being neighborly. Rather says, “We understood that those who were suffering weren’t lazy or lacking the desire to do better. Fate had the potential to slap any of us.” Empathy is something I see that is lacking in many of us. It is an area most could improve. It is easier to judge. We all have different perspectives and have baggage we bring along in all of our thoughts and beliefs. It would be a better world if we all saw each other as individuals just trying to be the best we can by, just trying to get by, just looking for love and acceptance.
Rather mentions Warren Buffett’s concept of the “ovarian lottery” and the ease with which we blame victims of discrimination and poverty. What if it had been us who had been born into different circumstances? How would that change our views? Thought-provoking, huh?
Rather devotes chapters to science, the arts, and books; he sees these as having been instrumental in the growth of this country. He also sees these as a necessity for us to move forward, therefore there is a need for ongoing investment. We must continue to read and to grow. We must continue to look to science for answers and, more importantly, to ask the provocative questions. We must continue to allow the arts to expand our hearts and teach us about inclusion.
Rather addresses our responsibility to this country in the areas of environment, education of our children, and service to our country and ultimately to each other. These areas do not need to be partisan. These are areas where we can unite as a country and work across party lines to arrive at the best solutions for our country.
Finally, Rather looks at three key attributes for the America he has known and what he believes built this great country – audacity, steadiness, and courage. These chapters inspired me to be better and bolder as an American but also to stay steady in the midst of chaos and change.
We are blessed to live in this amazing nation. We cannot rely only on the individuals in the White House or in government to make this country what it needs to be. We have to get involved and have a voice. WE can do this by simply being a good neighbor! WE can do this by voting! WE can do this by investing in and supporting the arts! WE can do this by listening to perspectives other than our own…listening to understand not to reply. WE can do this by surrounding ourselves with people who are not like us and who do not think like us – flexing our empathy muscle to make it stronger.
Rather and Kirschner bring the wisdom and perspectives of years I have not had on this earth and, in their writings, reminded me of the United States I grew up knowing with pride. This book ultimately gave me hope. One of the biggest elections in our nation’s history will be finalized in the coming days. We have a responsibility as citizens of this United States to stand together no matter the outcome and to NOT let the outcome tear us apart. The work ahead of us will not be easy but it will be worth it.
