Common Sense Party

I wanted to share some reflections that have been on my mind lately.

It seems to me that the primal side of our nature is still very much a part of who we are, even after centuries of civilization and domestication. Sometimes, it feels as if we’ve lost touch with that part of ourselves, but it continues to shape our experiences and responses in ways we might not always recognize.

Looking at the world today, I can’t help but feel that many current issues stem from these ancient instincts—the very instincts that once helped us survive during the toughest times. In fact, despite all our progress, we seem more divided into “tribes” than ever before.

If we pause for a moment and ask why humans joined tribes in the first place, history tells us it was for survival: tribes offered security, shared resources, defense against threats, and—just as importantly—fostered belonging, pride, dignity, cooperation, and a common identity.

Examining these reasons closely makes me realize how easily media and politicians can play on these primal needs. Whether people identify with MAGA or BLUE SKY or any other group, these “tribes” provide that deeply human sense of belonging we’ve sought since the dawn of time. At the same time, narratives stoked by media or politicians often suggest one tribe is under attack by another—provoking our instinctual drive to protect our community.

There are countless examples of how our primal brains are being manipulated by those in positions of influence. I humbly suggest keeping a few questions in mind when encountering news or political messaging: What response are they hoping to provoke in me? Which group are they appealing to? How does this affect those with different views? Who benefits from keeping groups at odds?

Ultimately, I believe it’s important for us all to remember that we already belong to one overarching tribe—the United States of America. If we remain divided within smaller subgroups rather than uniting as Americans first and foremost, I worry about the growing power of threats outside our borders.

Thank you for letting me share these thoughts. I don’t claim to have all the answers—I just hope this perspective encourages thoughtful reflection on where we put our loyalty and energy as citizens.