 I'm concerned about relentless cynicism in American public life. So many people are losing faith in government, law enforcement, schools, churches. There are good reasons, but cynical, gotcha social media posts or candidate stump speeches fix nothing. They offer smug sound bites as if that is the extent of our calling. I am dreaming of an American public life centered in hope and genuine commitment to the work of fixing failing institutions in solving our most intractable crises.