1/ It's not simply that we're polarized. An authoritarian spirit is abroad in the land. Everyone perceives it in the actions and rhetoric of their ideological adversaries. Most fail--utterly fail--to perceive it in the actions and rhetoric of those in their own ideological camp.

2/ True civil libertarians from across the spectrum need to unite in defense of fundamental freedoms that are essential to the flourishing of people and communities--thought, speech, religion, peaceful assemby and petition.

3/ This isn't a plea for everyone to become a "centrist." I'm not a centrist. I'm a conservative. But conservatives, centrists, and progressives can and should all endorse and defend basic civil liberties--for all. This should be common ground and a source of unity for Americans.

4/ Even more timely today, I think, than in 2017 when Cornel West and I issued this statement and invited our fellow citizens to join us.

https://jmp.princeton.edu/statement