January 25, 2026

by Andy Berges

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Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Pit race against race, religion against religion, prejudice against prejudice. Divide and conquer! We must not let that happen here.”

 

​Tragically, this strategy of divide and conquer has infiltrated the fabric of America, intensifying in the tumultuous landscape of the 21st century.​

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This tactic thrives on disbanding communities by fracturing them into smaller, competing factions, which ultimately erodes their collective social, economic, and physical strength.

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Among the many techniques utilized to execute the divide and conquer strategy are:

***Favoring some groups while scapegoating others to create a competitive environment

***Stirring up conflict through gossip or by framing people's actions negatively.

***Isolating individuals physically and/or socially to prevent alliances.

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The power of division lies in its ability to undermine the unity of the American populace, rendering them more susceptible to manipulation and control by the elite.

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Ronald Reagan emphasized the importance of openness and unity in our nation when once stating, “The United States of America is and must remain a nation of openness to people of all beliefs. Our very unity has been strengthened by this pluralism. That’s how we began; this is how we must always be.”

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Unfortunately, the level of division within the U.S. has reached unprecedented heights in recent years, as many of our leaders stoke conflict among Americans to prevent unity against those who wield power. In response, we must promote unity and peace - especially for the sake of future generations of Americans.​

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As the saying goes, “there is strength in numbers” and millions of united Americans constitute a powerful force against those who promote division.

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The teachings of Romans 12:16 & 14:19 urge us to “live in harmony with one another” and to “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Therefore, we must come together, seek the truth, engage in civil debates, and embrace compromise as we navigate our differences.

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As Martin Luther King, Jr. wisely stated, “We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters.” Let us heed this call to build a more harmonious society, where unity triumphs over division.