When everything is political, nothing is held in common, admired, and understood in the same terms by all. And a nation in which nothing is held in common, admired, and understood in the same terms by all is less a community than an aggregate of warring factions jostling for advantage, striving for a total victory in which those on the other side of the battle are permanently vanquished.

Damon Linker, via Ordinary Times
(via big-block-of-cheese-day)

It is indeed unpleasant to realize everything is political, because it disturbs exactly the harmony this quote is trying to preserve. But that doesn’t change whether it’s true. And relying on false harmony is bad for you in the long run. The nations that are united in everyone sharing a “non-political” goal, are usually the ones ruthlessly at total war with another nation.

(via bambamramfan)

if the personal is political

which is friend/enemy

won’t you be my neighbor?