We Can Be Better Than This

Recently I was offered the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Marshall County Democratic Party. Politically, Marshall County is deep red. Even those who know me the best express surprise that I would take on the challenges presented by this opportunity. My “stump” speech was along these lines. I am a believer in consensus. I am a believer in people over politics. We can accomplish more together, even when we disagree, than when we’re rhetorically fighting over those things instead of finding common ground. I believe we’re better than this.

In a time when political polarization and social media echo chambers dominate our public discourse, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that we have more in common than we think. Research shows that most Americans agree on reducing divisiveness and finding ways to work together peacefully, even when they strongly disagree. Moreover, many Americans have experienced constructive dialogue and collaboration across partisan lines in their communities.

However, finding common ground can be challenging. It requires us to listen more and talk less, to empathize with others' perspectives and experiences, and to evaluate the information we consume critically. It also requires us to recognize the impacts of structural inequalities, such as racism and economic injustice, that fuel resentment and distrust among different groups. And it requires us to elect leaders committed to unifying the country and giving ordinary people a more excellent voice in decisions that affect their lives.

Finding common ground does not mean compromising our values or ignoring our differences. It means acknowledging our shared humanity and everyday challenges and seeking solutions that benefit everyone. Doing so can overcome divisiveness and create a more inclusive, resilient, and democratic society.

As our Country is wrestling with the ramifications of our former President being criminally indicted, we must understand that our country is more significant than him and our individual beliefs, values, and opinions. We have a justice system that, recently, has been trusted. But even that has been thrown into doubt as those with their agenda, no matter the cost, work to cause mistrust and instability in right and wrong. Instead of coming together, as we used to do in times of crisis, we are hunkering down into our safe-feeling places where we hear what we want to hear and are safe from the challenges of truth.

There are calls for violence, even civil war as if they are good things. People of faith are becoming partisans first, and the call to serve, accept, forgive, and love - the hallmarks of most religions- is tossed aside. What is wrong with us? We have to be better than this.

Here is my vision for the Marshall County Democratic Party. Let’s be a group of people who want to improve the area we call home for everyone. Let’s recognize our differences, celebrate and accept them, and learn and grow from them. Let’s have times of community conversations. Let’s have healthy debates. But at the end of the day, let’s sit together for a meal. Let’s meet one another in the middle. Let’s create a sense of safety and freedom rather than fear and authoritarianism. Let’s be better than this.

What say you?