I do not doubt Mr. Obama's sincerity. The wish that all people be united is
an elemental human desire. But there are two major problems with it. First, it
is not truly honest. Second, it is childish.
First is its dishonesty. Virtually all calls for unity – whether national,
international or religious (as in calls for Christian unity) – do not tell the
whole truth.
If those who call for unity told the whole truth, this is what they would
say: "I want everyone to unite – behind my values. I want everyone who disagrees
with me to change the way they think so we can all be united. I myself have no
plans to change my positions on any important issues to achieve this unity. So
to achieve it, I assume that all of you who differ with me will change your
views and values and embrace mine."
Take any important issue that divides Americans and explain exactly how unity
can be achieved without one of the two sides giving up its values and embracing
the other side's values.
