I recently had lunch with esteemed political reporter, Charlie Cook, author of The Cook Political Report (http://cookpolitical.com/). I discussed with him my theory of what truly divides Americans, a Republican/rural/liberty vs. Democratic/urban/justice divide. In his most recent newsletter he discusses that theory. I think he is spot on in his commentary, especially the part about me being one of the smartest state legislators around! All jokes aside, he makes good points about needing to better understand each other and work together for the betterment of our country. I hope legislators on both sides of the aisle pay attention. 

Below is an excerpt of the article and here is a link to the entire story. 

"One of the smartest state legislators around, Virginia state Sen. Dave Marsden, has a theory centered on the Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Re public, for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice, for all.” Marsden, who represents part of Fairfax County in Northern Virginia, argues that while most Americans agree with both liberty and justice, Republicans tend to put the emphasis on liberty, Democrats on justice. Pushing Marsden’s point a little further than he might want, one could argue that Democrats don’t trust Republicans not to in fringe on justice, while Republicans don’t trust Democrats not to constrain liberty." 

"Basically, Democrats and Republicans tend not only to have a very different view of the role of government, but also a different value structure: Democrats are obsessed with justice, and Republicans are equally obsessed with liberty." 

"Politicians and citizens would do well to try to under stand the views and values of people who don’t share their party affiliation. Each side would find the other less threatening, and the hyper-partisanship gripping the country would ease, helping the government function more effectively and letting people from opposite sides of town be friends again."

I appreciate you taking the time to read this. Please let me know what you think.