I have been - like most of us - thinking about the political climate in our country and bemoaning the lack of civility, the name-calling, the lies. I yearn for the day of honest policy disagreement, of debates of substance, of politicians of honor and integrity.

Sigh …

I think about populism and how it has risen like a tide in our nation and I am intrigued.

I appreciate thoughtful, nuanced writing about political ideology and positions.

Here is some good stuff about a healthy kind of populism. See if it resonates:

There is a kind of populism that can be healthy -- more than that, might be necessary -- for our country to heal. But it must be a populism dedicated to mutual respect, not one guided by vengeance and stagnant grievance.

Having the ability to advocate for and see one another clearly is the only thing that will begin to heal not just the class divide but America itself.

Liberty and civic harmony have been hijacked by partisanship. Our friendly disposition toward demagoguery and authoritarianism is allowing it to happen.

Zero-sum thinking is indicative of a nation of cowards.

The birth of good governments and powerfully pragmatic and compassionate leaders within a country is dependent on the disposition of that country's citizens.

A hopeful future for America -- for any country -- must be one defined by the bravery and heroism of ordinary people loving the right things, rejecting lies, and respecting one another enough so that all people have the opportunity to walk in hope toward prosperity, comfort and security.

(Skyler Adleta, "The Possibilities and Perils of Populism")

What might it look like to become a nation of people who believe, once again, in mutual respect, rather than vengeance and grievance?

How might we start to see each other more clearly? What about advocating for each other, rather than only for ourselves?

How on earth have we decided it is ok to cozy up with the idea of authoritarianism? How can we, once again, get to the place where we reject this damaging and dangerous form of governance?

Might we start by, all of us, practicing the "bravery and heroism of [being] ordinary people loving the right things, rejecting lies and respecting one another?"

Might we just start there?

Don't fall for the lie that there is nothing we can do. Register to vote. VOTE. And as you do so, love the right things, reject lies and for God's sake, respect your fellow human beings.

It doesn't have to be this hard.