As someone proud of his nation, this story was appropriately uncomfortable. Yes, we have work to do. We should always have work to do. As someone who is a minority in this nation, I have to say I feel more integrated into society than I ever have. I see lots of progress in this realm. I know harmony and teamwork don’t grab headlines, but in the jobs I’ve held, communities I’ve lived in, and teams I’ve coached, diversity is there without a second thought. That’s what I’m most proud of.

My belief is that we cannot ignore the points you’ve made. And I’m grateful that you’ve made them, good, bad and indifferent. But until we can start treating each other better, starting with those immediately around us, we’ll just continue to bicker over which side of the aisle is right.

Truth is, I suspect, that the right way is somewhere in between.