Today we explore The Atlantic article "Collapsing Levels of Trust are Devastating America" by David Brooks. Brooks and I disagree on the fix, but we agree the problem is real. These are the main points from our conversation.

Trust is falling. Trust in institutions is dropping fast, and only about a third of Americans believe other people will do the right thing. Anger over the past and present is wearing on too many people. 2020 was a breaking point.

Each generation grew up differently. Brooks notes that the boomers grew up in a stable, hopeful economy. Younger generations watched institutions fail and saw opportunities shrink, so the view moved from opportunity to threat, and from freedom toward security.

Freedom needs shared values. Individual freedom encourages growth, and I still think it works best. But when shared values are lost, people stop protecting one another and greed fills the gap. No system works for everyone, so communities have to catch the people who fall through.

High-trust places are built in small circles. Brooks describes linked destinies and common values, where people organize quickly and sacrifice for the common good. He gives no reason for the decline. I think weaker faith and family ties played a part.

Insecurity feeds distrust. Financial, emotional and social insecurity push people toward thick armor and away from risk. Groups face off, and social media algorithms deepen the split.

The pandemic tested our institutions. We agree they struggled. Mixed messages left many people unsure who to trust. I think rebuilding trust starts with clear, honest communication.

Think local. Brooks sees a shift from global to local. I think that is a good thing, because people found the value of tight local communities after the disconnect of online friendships.

Where we disagree. Brooks suggests centralized power may be needed to bring people together. I do not think so. The founders built a union of states so each could govern itself, and people could change their state or move to one closer to their views. Decisions made close to the people are the better path to trust.

I would like to hear your solution. Drop a note in the forum.