Note: This “Moore to the Point” commentary aired on NewsTalkSTL on Friday, August 19th. Audio included below.

Polaris is commonly referred to as the North Star. It’s one of the brightest stars in the sky, and readily visible to the naked eye. Its visibility and constancy are why it’s been used for navigation for centuries.

It’s also the root of words like polarized. It would be hard to argue that there’s a more polarizing figure in modern history than Donald Trump. He has his most devoted supporters and his most determined detractors. Over the course of the past seven years, we’ve largely divided ourselves into Trump camps – ya love him or ya hate him, and the people who feel the opposite? Well, they are the worst.

This is neither an indictment of Trump, nor a defense of him. It’s an observation – and a reflection on us. Too many have allowed their sentiments on one man – or, truthfully, what he represents to them – to steer most everything they say and do. And whether they’re operating under blind allegiance or blind hatred, they’re still flying blind.

Which is why it’s critical to fix your sights on principles, not people.

There’s a danger in making one person or politician your north star — whether you think he can do no wrong or think he’s the devil incarnate. If you set your course based on that one person, you’re bound to lose your way.