As the Covington Catholic scandal fades from the news cycle, I fear we’re in danger of losing sight of the reasons why the students and the Indigenous people each gathered at the base of the Lincoln Memorial. Yes, we know that the former group was there for the March for Life, and the latter was there for the Indigenous Peoples’ March. But the causes for which they stood are being overshadowed by their clash with each other. Yes, within that clash itself there are vital lessons to learn, but they should tie into, not distract from, a larger picture … a deeper need for understanding and healing and restoration. All of us, witnesses to the various media spins of this snapshot of polarized Americana, are in danger of losing what we most value in our quest to show our solidarity with our political and ideological allies against the “others.”