I too don't recognize the country, Kevin. At times I think I was in a bubble, or hopelessly naive about the values of our fellow citizens. And I know there have been times that I've been too quick to judge, and I'm working on that. I came across a quote today that speaks to our fast-paced, often less than reflective world:

"Attention is a limited resource so pay attention to where you pay attention. " Howard Rheingold 

Because of our hyper-connectivity, and desire to stand with our tribe, we're easy pickings for those with the loudest voice, and the simplest, most reductionist argument, those with the most amplified, hyper-partisan view. The financial incentives are enormous for loud-mouthed pundits and their media outlets to put these fools on the air because we're willing buyers. Our attention seems as though it's not within our control any longer. 

The frenzied mobs at the Capitol should terrify all Americans. And I would say those who have rioted and vandalized so much in Seattle and Portland are also frightening. I don't know why those extreme lefties are allowed to continue to terrorize parts of those cities. We have to condemn violence wherever it appears. I think we have to unplug at times and just go for a walk, or as you do, a bike ride.

Peter T.