By Laura Hollis
For two decades, the University of Notre Dame has hosted an annual dialogue on a central theme, featuring discussions and events that explore societal issues. This year’s focus is “Cultivating Hope,” which included a recent Q&A session between Cardinal Robert McElroy, archbishop of Washington, D.C., and Rev. Robert Dowd, president of Notre Dame. The conversation, though brief, highlighted critical gaps in addressing U.S. political polarization.
First, the expansion of government is often overlooked as a key driver of division. When governance permeates daily life, control over institutions becomes politically charged. Reducing governmental influence and empowering individuals could foster less divisiveness.
Second, debates frequently conflate virtues like compassion—personal traits—with policies, which are institutional actions. While compassion is vital in individual interactions, elevating it to a policy framework risks chaos. Policies based on “compassion” often exacerbate societal issues, from crime to education, creating systemic harm under the guise of benevolence.
Third, those harmed by these policies have valid reasons to demand accountability. The response should not be passive “compassion” but active resistance against corrupt systems and a push for justice.
Finally, the absence of truth in public discourse is alarming. Without factual integrity, compassion becomes a hollow slogan. Americans face widespread mistrust due to manipulated narratives from institutions meant to provide clarity.
McElroy’s remarks, while well-intentioned, failed to address these deeper issues, inadvertently perpetuating the very polarization he sought to mitigate.
