Palm Beach letter: Be mindful of our adversaries' efforts to divide us from within

As we lounge in our deck chairs contemplating what number sunscreen to use and other weighty issues, the country and the world are simmering, and this time it's serious.

The nation's mood is not good; various political factions (and others) are preparing for battle. Inflation is rampant. Interest rates are rising and signs of a recession are visible on the horizon.

But what is really troubling is the tumult and further divisiveness that the reversal of Roe v. Wade could bring. The country is already badly divided and this is a hot-button issue. How chaotic this could become remains to be seen, but the signs are ominous.

And then in November we'll have the mid-term elections. This will be one of the most consequential and, unfortunately, contentious elections in recent memory.

What I have been describing is music to the ears of our adversaries.

If we are beset by paralyzing domestic issues, would this not present Russia, China, Iran and North Korea with the perfect opportunity to foment greater chaos in the hope of creating the new world order that they so desperately seek?

These countries, dissimilar in so many ways, have managed to create an alliance whereby they have carte blanche to rough up their respective neighborhoods/regions and have developed a common game plan to undermine the way of life we have come to appreciate.

Such things as our hasty retreat from Afghanistan while leaving behind a treasure trove of material and equipment are enshrined in the collective memories of Vladimir Putin and others.

And each of the aforementioned countries must certainly be considering what will be the right moment to make a move. China/Taiwan; Putin/more of the former Soviet Union; Iran/the Sunni world (with Israel and the Jewish people thrown in for good measure); North Korea/sorry I don't have that level of prophecy. Unfortunately, I don't think what I'm suggesting is an exaggeration or some outlandish theory.

It is important that we have a very clear understanding of how we can be manipulated and radicalized by our aforementioned adversaries to undermine our way of life, for their benefit. That would be a tragedy.

Let us use our best efforts to be respectful of our friends, relatives and fellow citizens and don't blindly succumb to the pitfalls that await us.

*

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Letter: Respect will go a long way during these divisive times