For more than three decades, companies in the United States have attempted expanding trade with China, motivated by low labor costs and the market potential of the world’s most populous nation. Promoters of China trade have promised that increased trade would eventually democratize China. That sounds good, but it isn’t working.

Recently, a co-worker was telling a story about a former mentor of hers who once said to her, “You know why I like you? Because you and I hate the same people.” We had an awkward chuckle over the shock and aggressiveness of that statement, but, it reminded me of Brene Brown’s concept of Common Enemy Intimacy.

A number of area businesses are focusing on community outreach programs. AAA Central Penn, which launched AAA Cares in June, is among them.