By: Philip K. Howard

A cultural earthquake is causing jagged fault lines to open across America.

Many thousands have taken to the streets to protest police brutality. Others are taking to the streets to protest COVID-19 shutdowns.

But the powder keg was primed long before these events. Polls in recent years show a sharp rise in discontent from both sides. The common theme is anger at government.  A survey in 2018, for example, found that almost two-thirds of Americans favored “very major reform” of government, almost double from 20 years ago.  

But is there any unifying vision for reform? Political leaders sow division. Either defund the police or defend them. Either protect every life against COVID-19 or liberate economic freedom.  Polarization is widening into extremism. Pull down the statues. Ignore orders to practice social distancing. Ban speakers with different views. Fire editors who publish a controversial oped.   

Extremism usually comes from a sense of powerlessness. People who are frustrated by the inability to solve problems eventually resort to radical demands.

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