No longer e pluribus unum, we are e pluribus pluribus — mean-spirited and marginalizing. A psychological profile, never more needed than now, probably would reveal an underlying fear that not everyone within our borders is on the same team.

Our fears may not be irrational, but our responses are.

Nowhere is it written that we must self-destruct. Here’s a concept: Let’s skip the part where cultures clash, tempers flare, we have a riot, compose the crisis-soundtrack, seek closure and celebrate healing. Somebody won’t get rich but, oh, well.

The trick is getting back to that story line we seem to have misplaced. The one where everyone plays by the rules and embraces the same national narrative. Where we stop acting like morons — mirrors up! — and hit the pause button on outrage.