We Have Been Manipulated Before

Wow, look at that — we all feel differently about this attack, on both the left and the right. Turns out we all have different levels of knowledge, conflicting opinions, and a mix of motivations. Resist the urge — the one that’s coming quickly — to fall in line. There will be pressure to think a certain way. But independent, critical thought and honest conversation will serve us well as we, the American people, process what our president has just done.

It’s okay to not know how you feel about it. It’s okay to ask questions, to seek answers, to get more information. And to listen. We live in a time that insists we form and broadcast our opinions immediately. The systems with which we now collectively communicate are built to amplify outrage and partisan screaming. This is yet another important moment in this tech-driven century to take a damn pause and come to these heartless platforms with goodwill for one another.

Was this constitutional? Is this impeachable? Does it matter? Was it ethical? Was it the right thing to do? Will it start a war or end one? Is this the beginning of another Middle East entanglement? Is this strength? Is this brilliant? Is this stupid? Did Bibi manipulate Trump? Was Iran prepared enough to build a bomb and use it? We have very few answers to these questions because (a) it’s been less than 24 hours, and (b) the answers to many of these…