We are an “or” society. Should we use solar power, or wind power, or oil power, or hydro power? Should we be vegan or vegetarian, or omnivores, or locavores, or carnivores? Should we build more roads or strengthen our public transport system? Should we be Democrats or Republicans?

I propose we consider the Power Conjunction — “AND”. To make concrete, you use sand AND gravel AND limestone AND clay AND marl (I’ve never heard of it either, but it is a primary ingredient in cement). If we replace the Power Conjunction “AND” with “OR”, our roads fall apart, our bridges fall down, our multi story buildings crumble. We need all the ingredients.

If we are going to have a strong power system, we should use oil/natural gas generators, AND wind, AND solar, AND hydroelectric. Each has strengthens and each limitations. Together, they are strong. In fact, we should add geothermal, AND tidal, AND ethanol, AND waste incinerators, AND wood fireplaces (my favorite) AND …. There is so much energy in this world. Why limit ourselves to one.

If we are going to have a strong government, we need both Democrats, AND Republicans, AND Green Party, AND Libertarians AND … It has been the debate and cooperation of all of the political ideals that has made a strong country. When one ideology gains superiority, there is always trouble. We need balance.

Let’s search for ways that we can use the Power Conjunction. Abraham Lincoln, president at one of the most divided moments in our country, quoted Jesus when he summarized this solution. “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”