Jan 24, 2007 — This week National Public Radio is looking at efforts by Americans of different stripes to reach common ground. The series Crossing the Divide isn't just about red states and blue states or the balance of power in Congress. These days, America's rift can be far more intimate, dividing communities and families. In his book Welcome to the Homeland, Brian Mann tells the story of searching for common ground with his more conservative brother Allen. He contributed this audio essay.