I’ve lived in blue states and red states, small towns of 500 people and the largest cities in America. Each has advantages, and each has ways of alienating and isolating.

Small town values mean strangers still say “Hi” to you. If a neighbor needs help moving a fallen tree limb, three guys are there with chain saws. Red means, “Don’t worry, man, I’ve got your back.” But red also means that the Blue Church is not as welcome as the Red Church.

Large metropolitan areas mean more opportunities, parks and museums. But gated communities keep next door neighbors strangers. Blue means, “Our differences basically means lots of great food choices.” But blue also means that the Red Church is not as welcome as the Blue Church.

I don’t find either way of living intrinsically better than the other. In more rural areas, I can still smell and hear nature, versus the constant din of crowds and traffic. In more urban areas, I meet the diverse character of humanity, both washed and unruly. In rural settings, it’s far easier to live the contemplative life in a small cabin. In cities, I can contemplate great art and the monumental works of man.

Here’s the thing. I’m getting tired of this constant fanning of the flames of us versus them, of red versus blue. I mean, I do it too. I’ve gotta stop this shit.

The truth is, I’ve never had much of a problem getting along in either place. Apple pie tastes just as good in a small diner as in a large one.

Let’s be honest about who or what the real enemy is here. It’s not each other. It’s not. No, the truth is that our enemies are those who seek to turn us against each other so that we can’t see what they’re up to.

It’s an ‘atemi’, a classic Jiu Jitsu move, which is a distracting strike meant to divert attention away from the real strike. You never see the strike that kills you.