Us vs. Them

Posted on July 16, 2018 by mitchteemley

“There is no ‘them.’ There never was. There is only us.” I wrote this brief meditation on the rise of protective nationalism two years ago. It’s still happening, and I’m still against it. You?

About mitchteemley

Writer, Filmmaker, Humorist, Thinker-about-stuffer
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25 Responses to Us vs. Them

  1. joseph elon lillie says:
    July 16, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    “Nation will rise against nation and brother agsinst brother.” We dont need signs in the heavens. We have enough sign here on Earth that the age is about to change.

    Reply
  2. Garfield Hug says:
    July 16, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    I believe in “us” too😊

    Reply
  3. claire says:
    July 16, 2018 at 8:03 pm

    Whenever I feel “them and us” whether in my personal life or on a grander scale I know I am out of God’s spirit. Sadly It comes too easily. With man it is impossible (to love and care for all) but with God all things are possible to them that believe.

    Reply
  4. worrylessjourney says:
    July 16, 2018 at 9:37 pm

    So true. I love (and have used) the Pogo cartoon that says “I have met the enemy and he is us!”

    Reply
  5. M.B. Henry says:
    July 16, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    Very fitting post in today’s political climate. And I totally agree! We accomplish so many amazing things when we all work together

    Reply
  6. frenchc1955 says:
    July 17, 2018 at 2:24 am

    Thank you for an excellent post!

    Reply
  7. pick1solution says:
    July 17, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    Thank you, Mitch. My original comment was lengthy and I scrubbed it. When we refer to them we discount we are they to them. You are right we are all US, and I add an “A” for good measure. Great post.
    John

    Reply
  8. Ann Coleman says:
    July 17, 2018 at 5:50 pm

    Sadly, we seem to be encouraged to see everything as “us” verses “them” these days. And no good can come of it. You are right; there is only “us!” As in all of us!

    Reply
  9. smzang says:
    July 18, 2018 at 3:36 am

    with you 100 percent on this issue…

    (limited to 15 minutes a day screen time, but will gradually get caught up)

    Reply
  10. TEP336 says:
    July 18, 2018 at 6:09 pm

    I have only this to say, and I’m saying this as a veteran. A government’s first responsibility is to its people. That’s the bottom line. Our government is specifically chosen represent the interests of the American people, both domestically and internationally. In that regard, their focus must always be Americans first. That’s their job. Now, does that mean they have to ignore other considerations? No, but it does mean that everything they say or do must place us first.

    Reply
  11. TEP336 says:
    July 20, 2018 at 8:48 am

    Yes, and no. Hitler’s example is an extreme example of nationalism gone horribly wrong. Nationalism isn’t meant to be a middle finger to the rest of the world, it’s meant to be a sign of pride in one’s place of origin. The way I describe patriotism is a love for one’s country, warts and all.

    As a man of Latin and Native roots, I’m painfully aware of U.S. history. In spite of that, I still love my country, and firmly believe that the U.S. is the greatest nation on the planet. Why? I have seen what the rest of the world looks like, and we are uniquely blessed.

    There is nothing wrong with patriotism. I’ve met patriots from other countries, and I deeply respect and appreciate them. I’ve met British patriots, Iraqi patriots, etc. Decent people, all of them. Sadly, I think nationalism and patriotism have been horribly mischaracterized.

    Reply
    • mitchteemley says:
      July 20, 2018 at 3:48 pm

      I think we have similar views about true patriotism. My issue is with the kind of “patriotism” that manufactures straw figures (“Thems”) in order to artificially strengthen itself. Nationalism is similar. Understandings of the term vary, but the most common definition (this one’s from the Oxford Dictionary) is, “Identification with one’s own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations.” It’s the second part, the “exclusion or detriment” of others part, that concerns me.

      Reply
      • TEP336 says:
        July 21, 2018 at 10:55 am

        I mean, when you focus on your own nation’s interests, even to the slightest degree, it is to someone’s detriment. That’s the reality of diplomacy, and the price of doing business. Take the current situation with China. As a carpenter who works with metal framing, the sudden shortage of Chinese steel put me out of work, but I’m not upset by it. Why? First, carpentry is my second career, and I have medical training and experience to fall back on. In fact, I recently accepted a job in a medical clinic. Now, I’m making $5/hr less than I had been, but it’s better than nothing. My bills will still be paid, and my family is still being taken care of. Second, because that lack of Chinese steel has forced companies in the construction industry to look to domestic steel providers, which in turn has forced those steel providers to hire more people; to the benefit of the local workers and local economy. I mean, I’m glad to take a financial hit if it means my union brothers and sisters get to benefit, too.

        To make things a bit more interesting, President Trump started that trade war because U.S./Chinese trade has been lopsided in their favor for decades. In other words, his intent was to bring about exactly what’s happened. He created more American jobs, thereby benefiting the American economy, but to the detriment of the Chinese economy. Not that they’re suffering because of it. They have no shortage of foreign investors willing to put up with their absolutely horrendous trade laws.

        Reply
  12. sothisisbliss says:
    July 22, 2018 at 6:09 pm

    A MILLION times, yes to this!!! Also, I wish we better utilized the parable of the Good Samaritan as communtities. When within our means, we strive to lift and love others, we are serving our Lord. And in that, we can only find strength and peace and joy. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

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