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of beliefs. This is what is happening in our country today.

Over the years, the country has become increasingly polarized, with very different views about what is true and not true and even what the country is about.

In the most recent Gallup polling on patriotism, only 39% say they are “extremely proud” to be an American. Only 67% say that they are “extremely/ very proud” to be an American.

Twenty years ago, 90% said they were “extremely/ very proud” to be an American.

On issues of great concern to and impact on the country, opinions are deeply divided.

Gallup reports that the divide between Republicans and Democrats on how much power the federal government should have has increased by 50 points over the last 20 years.

The divide between Republicans and Democrats on the nature and cause of global warming has increased by 33 points, on satisfaction with K-12 education has increased by 30 points, on whether abortion should be legal under any circumstances by 30 points, on the importance of foreign trade by 29 points, and about immigration by 29 points.

Where is the “sensible middle” on these issues? The answer is there is none.

The different points of view emerge from very different views of the world, very different views of what is or is not true.

The great struggle in our nation today is about whether the founders’ vision of a free nation under God, with limited power of the national government, will be restored and harnessed to today’s challenges. Or if we will continue in the direction of secular humanism, Godlessness and socialism.

Abraham Lincoln captured today’s reality, as neither No Labels nor Mitt Romney could do.

Lincoln said in 1858: “A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other.

There is a reason why Donald Trump came out of nowhere in 2016 to win the presidency, running on the theme “Make America Great Again.”

The struggle today is between those who want to recapture our founding values and principles. And those who want to destroy them.

The House will not fall. We will become all one thing, or all the other.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators. com. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS. COM