[Continuing with Brent, Janie, Mike, Roni, Ronnie, and Ruth… 6 diverse, gathered individuals — all over the political, social, and demographic map. They each advocate for respectful dialogue — no matter the passion, no matter the supposed “side” — no matter the chickens, eggs, “tastes great’s” or “less filling’s.” Intentional respect is the first, best step forward…]
BRENT: I’m very curious to hear what everyone thinks along the lines of how much control truly lies with the people in our government, one that keeps growing in federal power.
RONNIE: Brent, my answer to your last question: zero, nada, zilch and none. Best thing to happen in this country in truly draining the swamp is have a good old revolution.
BRENT: How do we even begin to go about moving the power back to the states and localities? I also think a lot of the problem is that we now face a generation growing up where entitlements are the norm.
JANIE: I raised three non-political sons to always know who they liked and research the one they did not. Taught my college and high school students to do the same. Pick an issue you like and research the other’s viewpoint. We don’t encourage that today.
RONNIE: Could I post a few videos for Brent on what a real convention should look like if we want to drain the swamp?
JANIE: Wait Ronnie; the word “compromise” — today no one wants to use it. Working together. And no one takes the time to research or to listen.
BRENT: It’s comforting to know there are still teachers teaching kids critical thinking skills!
JANIE: Brent, thank you. Critical thinking is becoming a lost art and skill.
AR: So recognizing that several of you adhere to a specific party fairly loyally, how have you seen the party you most identify with dismiss/omit critical thinking?
BRENT: When you pander to the masses as your audience, it leaves little room for debate because it’s based on group think mentality.
MIKE: Well, politicians used to campaign hard, then work together to govern. Good ideas were advanced, regardless of which side of the aisle they came from. Now we are in constant campaign mode. Can’t support the other’s good idea, because you can’t let them earn political points.
[THUMBS UP FROM BRENT]
JANIE: The parties have lost their way. The great hope of the citizens is newer districts with real representation — not party representation!
MIKE: That’s a good point. There’s so much gerrymandering both ways; you create majority safe districts by creating minority safe districts as well — that for the most part, winning the primary means you win the general. That means both parties select candidates to the extreme — “I will fight for you!” — rather than the sensible person who can appeal to both sides, because you no longer need that person to win the general.
[THUMBS UP FROM RONI]
RUTH: Critical thinking — had to wonder, is there any on either “side”? There seems a lack on both sides — about consequences of policies and orders passed, on one hand — on the other, a lack of judgment and recognition of the power of words and tones, opening up stuff that should’ve been denounced, rather than played into so freely during the campaign. Seems as though the more critical thinkers were ruled out in the primaries.
RONI: (Going back a bit) I think fear also played a major role in this past election. Fear that “they” were/are taking over — applicable to both sides. I also am genuinely changed by the way I have seen this election deeply hurt my Jewish, Muslim, immigrant, and LGTBQ friends. The lack of empathy has disturbed me.
MIKE: Roni, I assure you that I take no joy in anyone’s fear, and I would stand with you fighting discrimination against any of the groups you mentioned.
RONI: That’s why I love you, Mike. I know that you would.
AR: Oh, this is good…
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More is forthcoming… how we overcome, how we work through political differences, and too, some specific topics. Again, stay tuned.
Respectfully…
AR