Like so many tumultuous times, it's an historic perfect storm. I blame right-wing radio,
which lowered civil discourse and sanctioned public ranting. Doubts about government surged. Bush was elected by the Supremes. Then 9/11 slammed us, followed by the election of the first Black president, the rise of the Tea Party and social media.
The political divide widened and attracted the vulgar guy to politics. His relentless lies created a false reality, further widened the political chasm, then a global pandemic killed millions. That sitting president lost his election and hosted a violent insurrection.
This is a simple list of remarkables. Many other issues (i.e., public shootings, recession, remote work and schooling, rising costs of living, immigration, loss of womens' rights) were/are eroding our national fabric. As a result, we haven't been so divided since the Civil War or the McCarthy era.
What do we do? Don't see much of a choice. We deal with crises like past generations did. Get involved, contact local, state and federal leadership. Write letters to the editors of print and social media. Protest where appropriate. Be civil and patient.