One of Aesop's lesser-known fables tells the story of several bulls grazing together in a field. A lion wants to eat them, but as long as the bulls stand united, he cannot attack. Frustrated, the lion spreads rumors and creates distrust among them. Eventually, the bulls separate from one another. Once isolated, they are easily picked off one by one.
Sound familiar?
Modern politics has become a never-ending exercise in division. Americans are encouraged to view neighbors, coworkers, and even family members not as fellow citizens but as enemies. Political parties, media outlets, influencers, and social media algorithms profit from outrage. The more divided we become, the more power flows to those who benefit from the chaos.
The lion in Aesop's story didn't defeat the bulls through strength. He defeated them through division.
Today's political operatives understand the same lesson. Convince people that every disagreement is a battle, every election is the end of democracy, and every opponent is beyond redemption. Once citizens stop seeing common interests, they become easier to manipulate.
None of this means we should abandon our principles. Bulls don't have to agree on everything to stand together against a common threat. A healthy society requires debate. It also requires recognizing that most Americans want many of the same things: safe communities, economic opportunity, and a better future for their children.
The lion's strategy worked thousands of years ago because the bulls forgot who their real adversary was.
Aesop would probably recognize our politics immediately. The only question is whether we recognize the lesson.
The answer: we do not.
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