It has been said that a pessimist is an optimist with experience. After 78 years of experience, I understand this viewpoint. Our species continues to be primarily tribal in nature with just the thinnest veneer of civilization. Our history continues to be a story of "us versus them," "them" being a different clan, race, color, language, religion, or now, political party. The golden rule has been truncated to just "do unto others."

As Pogo said in the comic strip of years ago "we have met the enemy and he is us." Currently, the "tribe" most destructive to a civilized democracy in our country is the GOP MAGA cult. To make America great again, we must replace them by voting for democratic candidates in November.

Tom Dobbins

Old Lyme