We Americans - and, indeed, all humans - have more in common that we recognize. If we can seek out commonality rather than division, we can sow the seeds of unity and understanding.

Fear. We can let it consume us with certainty of failure — and failure we become — or we can turn it into focus, walk across that ladder, and embrace all we can be, all we want to be.

Dogs can - and do - teach us much about the world and how to live in it. One of the greatest lessons is acceptance of impermanence and living in the present.

As a nation, we need to accept - and acknowledge - our faults so that we can grow into a better tomorrow. That, after all, is how we can be the best patriots.