Absolute divisions, of the type imagined by proponents of the Arizona law, simply do not exist in nature. You’re asking for trouble by trying to achieve an impossibility. Just as all cells have semi-permeable membranes, we share our borders with our neighbors. implying a relationship based on compassionate cooperation, not belligerent competition. What is this, some kind of nationalist tantrum?

Lately, even the ever so rational and logical Glenn Greenwald has been addressing current events in terms of myths (as in, “The power of myth and propaganda are well documented.”) Today he points out self-satirizing reactions of religious hypocrites, and links to a Digby post that explains their behavior as “empathic myopia.” Where does it come from?
Until we drop the pretense of the impermeable, absolute, sacrosanct self/other divide, and with it the conceit of American Exceptionalism, we can expect the beatings to continue whether morale improves or not.

In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the first thoughts of a self-aware consciousness are explored. When consciousness first thought, “I am,” it next thought, “I fear what I am not.” This fundamental misconception is at the root of all human suffering, generating the all-consuming Fear that drives our insane militarism. What’s the answer to primeval fear?