One of the things I stressed during last fall's campaign for the election of a Mayor and the earlier campaign to change the way Richmond chooses so to do was the need for healing in our city. This is a priority with me, but not just for the City of Richmond. We are becoming a divided nation. The "us's" and the "thems"; the good guys and the bad guys. We fall prey to whose religion is said to be superior or more closely aligned with God. Being a Democrat or a Republican carries connotations far beyond what was contemplated by those who founded the parties and separated themselves for the pragmatic approaches they felt that government should take to their lives. Everywhere we turn there is violence. It's not just the physical violence: It's the lack of civility and/or respect for differing opinions. There is violence in our churches, synagogues, and temples; in our schools and workplaces; on our streets and in our communities; and even in our homes. Nations around the world are still engaged in wars and even the rumors of wars continue.