Much of the country believes that America is racist, cruel and incapable of self-correction of its so-called original sins — without a radical erasure of much of its past history, traditions and customs.
It sees occasional violence as a necessary stimulant of long-overdue change. It argues that the American founding focus on liberty and freedom as increasingly selfish and incompatible with social justice and equality.
Racism, the protesting left says, is in the American DNA. It finally requires massive cutting, chemotherapy and radiation — treatment that deservedly will sicken and may even kill the host.
The other half of the country will vote to preserve what is under attack. They feel that the dreamy world of the demonstrators and rioters is an Orwellian vision far worse than the present reality that they are protesting.
America in their view is the world's only large, successful multiracial democracy. It is the dream destination of the world's immigrants — precisely because its ancient institutions adapt and change for the better, but only if they are preserved and allowed to work.
The angry and the demonstrating are loud and visible; their opponents are angry and quiet.
The election will reveal not just who is more numerous — but sadly also who is the angriest.
It sees occasional violence as a necessary stimulant of long-overdue change. It argues that the American founding focus on liberty and freedom as increasingly selfish and incompatible with social justice and equality.
Racism, the protesting left says, is in the American DNA. It finally requires massive cutting, chemotherapy and radiation — treatment that deservedly will sicken and may even kill the host.
The other half of the country will vote to preserve what is under attack. They feel that the dreamy world of the demonstrators and rioters is an Orwellian vision far worse than the present reality that they are protesting.
America in their view is the world's only large, successful multiracial democracy. It is the dream destination of the world's immigrants — precisely because its ancient institutions adapt and change for the better, but only if they are preserved and allowed to work.
The angry and the demonstrating are loud and visible; their opponents are angry and quiet.
The election will reveal not just who is more numerous — but sadly also who is the angriest.
