“And each time a fresh outrage emerges or a disappointing piece of news breaks, a chorus rises up from politicians and everyday citizens alike: “This is not who we are.” Americans don’t keep children in cages. Americans don’t ask travelers for their citizenship papers. Americans don’t turn away the huddled masses. Americans don’t elect white nationalists to political office.

Except: We do.

Of course this is who we are. The truthful response is obvious and tautological: If this weren’t who we are, then it wouldn’t be happening. We Americans are doing these things or, at the very least, seeing them done in our names.” Opinion | Of course this is who we are. But who do we want to be?