For country, not party: A PAC for veterans confronts our political polarization

In this era of extreme polarization on both the left and right, it is important to recognize, honor and celebrate those who seek to chart a different course. One such person is Rye Barcott, a Marine, venture capitalist, philanthropist and civic leader.  

The reason Barcott matters now is that he founded a group called With Honor, which has elected dozens of veterans to Congress across both parties, with an explicit commitment to promote bipartisan policies and cooperation. Since 2018, With Honor has supported the For Country Caucus, a bipartisan caucus markedly different from the multitude of partisan or identity-based caucuses in Congress today.

Interestingly, the caucus mandates that members “meet with at least one member of the opposing party every month.” One wonders how much more effective our representatives would be if other caucuses followed this model. 

Indeed, the caucus — currently co-chaired by Reps. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas) and Don Davis (D-N.C.) — now includes nearly 40 veterans currently in Congress, while some former members have gone on to governor’s mansions such as New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D). 

According to the caucus mission statement, the group was “created to help address the divisive political polarization tearing our country apart.”

Put simply, in an era of Super PAC’s that loudly advance narrow, special........

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