We have lived in Durham, NC for over 30 years. Like most long time residents we know Durham has many assets. Citizenry: diverse, creative, hard working, neighborly, entrepreneurial. Location: the beautiful Eno River, wonderful lakes, only a few hours from either mountains or the ocean - who could ask for more? General welfare: not perfect, but generally the trash is collected on time, police come if we need them, medical services first rate, and the clean water and sewer, gas and electric, DSL and everything we enjoy in the 21st century. Knowledge: Durham Technical Community College and NC Central University are two of Durham's hidden treasures. Duke is world famous. Our local talk radio stations are excellent. And of course the Internet where there is a continuing competition between truth and lies, but no lack of information.

..... but we also have a few problems:

Polarization. Go to the grocery store or any large event here and you will see citizens who have come from almost every nation to settle in Durham. We've got all colors and ages and 99/100 people you meet will be friendly, sensible and helpful. But when it comes to politics, watch out! We are polarized and some take the rhetoric and propaganda of their side a bit too seriously.

Perhaps polarization happens because elected leaders and media must be polarized to win elections or maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace of ideas. Yet when it comes to solving problems and making laws, we are thankful for our excellent republican & constitutional system which requires lawmakers to engage in serious and civil deliberation about the subjects before they vote on important matters.