The seeds of our destruction are rooted in our intellectual dishonesty. Brooks is guilty of pretending that racism isn't at the root of our  problems. That denial is just one of many white privileges. It was those privileges the poor confederate soldiers fought for. This denial is giving aid and comfort to the Bannons in the country. We need a truth and reconciliation commission to address the racism at the root of our problems. We can't be the land of the free and home of the brave without equality and justice  for all citizens. We have never achieved that goal. Another way to put it is that we need to value and make all lives matter. It may take another civil war to get to justice for all. Injustice has been very profitable for some. Competing solely on merit will be a demotion for many people.