In times of great uncertainty, individuals and entire societies can temporarily forget who they are as sentient beings – a part of something much greater than their own selves – whether as individuals or as nations. America is a diverse society, with the potential to show the world new ways of being that transcend conflict and retribution. Much has been accomplished in little more than two centuries of nationhood. Much remains to be done, however. What choices will Americans make to tap such enormous potential?

There must be a new social movement of people in which is found a new common ground and language based on mutual interconnection and regard for one another and the ecosystem. A new civil spirituality must be encouraged that transcends religious differences. New types of political and social leaders must be encouraged who are fundamentally aligned with this. Young people need to be given an equal place from which to express their highest aspirations and find fertile ground for growth. This will be the beginning of a new epoch for humanity wherein a culture of wisdom and generosity replaces a culture of conflict and domination that only benefits the few. Once this is more widely expressed, it will find fertile ground among all people.

A greater positive context already exists throughout all aspects of American society and culture. It flows from a tremendous reservoir of core values and aspirations countless numbers of Americans share in common. We will see, as A New America continues to explore these commonalities, greater levels of connection that exist rather than alienation. And through discernment with compassion, we can appeal to a deeper wisdom residing in each of our hearts and higher minds to find a way that appeals to the collective higher nature of the human race.