It’s been more than 32 years since the world heard those words from Rodney King during a press conference as riots brought violence and destruction to Los Angeles in 1991, but in many ways the question probably resonates just as much — if not more — today.

Because we aren’t really doing a very good job of getting along, are we?

I often can’t help but think about those words when I pick up my newspaper and read about what is going on in the world: wars in the Middle East and eastern Europe, and violence and political bickering here at home.

I don’t know if we are hard-wired to get along, when you think about it. We tend to see things through the lenses of our own experiences, emotions, priorities and understanding. That aligns us well with some people — but puts us in direct conflict with others.

Think about some of the tough issues we are tackling now:

Should illegal immigrants accept justice for actions that weren’t in accordance with the laws? Or should they be treated mercifully because of extenuating circumstances and their work to be contributing members of American society?

Should a country like Israel be accepted for its efforts to ensure the security of its citizens? Or should it be condemned for the sometimes brutal measures it has taken in order to make that security a reality?

Should costly governmental programs be perceived as beneficial since their aims are to aid those who may not have the means to fully take care of themselves? Or should they be viewed as detrimental since they can lead to dependency and abuse while driving the nation deeper into debt?

Let’s consider a couple of issues close to home here in Utah:

Should Utahns fight to keep as much of the land in the state in the hands of the government as possible in the hope that it will ensure public access? Or should some lands be opened up for private ownership to enable the construction of more affordable housing for our growing population?

Should elected legislators have the final say with regards to enacting laws since they were selected as representatives by their constituents? Or should citizen initiatives and referendums have the final say since they could be defined as representing the direct will of those same constituents?

There could be dozens (or hundreds) more questions like these, as well as many other ways of framing them to highlight different perspectives.

As you read those questions, I suspect you immediately found yourself gravitating to one side or the other. I hope, however, that you also allowed yourself to acknowledge that you can understand how someone might see them differently.

Even more importantly, though, is that it would serve us all better to look for common ground.

Can we have both justice and mercy for immigrants?

Can we have both security and compassion for those in the Middle East?

Can we as a nation offer a hand up to those in need while also building self-sufficiency and fiscal responsibility?

Can we enjoy our public lands while also providing opportunities for people to have private stewardship of property?

Can we find the balance between legislation and referendums so we can address state issues more effectively?

I fear sometimes that, in an era of pervasive echo chambers and harsh rhetoric, something as beneficial as compromise has become monumentally difficult.

But if there is any time to counter that fear with hope, it’s this week.

That’s because we will celebrate the Fourth of July next Friday, which was one of the greatest and most unexpected compromises in our history.

Very few in Independence Hall in 1776 thought delegates from all 13 colonies would decide to commit to declaring independence. It wasn’t a smooth process by any means as each representative brought their own personal and colonial perspectives to the congress, resulting in plenty of disagreements.

But despite all the challenges and setbacks, they found common ground and signed the Declaration of Independence to start the nation on the path that led to where it is today.

If they had a tough time getting along, it’s no surprise that we do too.

But maybe we can do a little better than we have.

I know I can.

Jared Lloyd is managing editor of the Standard-Examiner and Daily Herald.