After this election, we will need to learn how to talk with each other again. I have friends on all sides of this national argument, many lifelong, and have seen their profoundly good personal character at close range, even as I disagree profoundly with their political views.

Cable news and social media obviously aren’t helping. My father’s generation often joined the military, which connected people who otherwise would never have met and required them to work together, and see each other as people first.

Perhaps a year of national service would serve the same purpose. But let’s start by remembering who we are, and the fundamental values we still share – before it’s too late.