Lessons in Compassion

I’m pretty big on compassion. It drives my political leanings, shapes my world view. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve still got a sarcastic streak a mile wide. But I try to make kindness a driving force in my life. That means being kind, and also striving to surround myself with people who strive for the same.

The second part can be tricky. There are the relatives whose politics make my blood boil. There are the friends who would prefer to feel slighted than give someone the benefit of the doubt. Som...