POLITICAL DIFFERENCES?? LOVE WINS!!!

          The Wall Street Journal, had a particularly meaningful story about how two neighboring families get along even when their political views differ.  It’s particularly important now, in this time leading up to the Presidential election, that we are mindful of respecting one another’s views and having civilized discourse. I wanted to share the article’s message with you. Here is an excerpt:

“Millions of Americans are alarmed at the bitter split in the country, with 9 out of 10 Americans saying incivility is a problem and two-thirds saying it’s a ‘major’ problem—according to a 2019 poll by public relations firm Weber Shandwick taken before this year’s tumultuous events.

‘People know how wrong this division is and actually want out of it, but they don’t know what to do,’ says Carolyn Lukensmeyer, former executive director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse at the University of Arizona. The institute, which describes itself as a nonpartisan organization set up to promote healthy and civil political debate, offers programs on getting along despite differences. 

‘People can start by listening attentively and with an open mind,’ says Dr. Lukensmeyer. ‘Too often, people interrupt others or mentally prepare rebuttals while another person is talking.’

‘Listen long enough to understand how that human being came to hold the view they hold. If someone says something you don’t believe is factual, don’t respond in conflict or try to convince them otherwise,’ she says.

Troubled by the national discourse, next-door neighbors with opposing political views used yard signs to send a message of civility.  One family, lifelong Republicans, put a Donald Trump sign on their lawn. The other family, lifelong Democrats, planted a Biden sign in front of theirs.   Not extraordinary, except that another homemade sign stands in each yard.  It reads: “We  💗 Them” with an arrow pointing to the other house. In the middle of the heart are the words, “One Nation.” (see picture below)

Some additional advice: ‘ Accept that you don’t have to be right all the time. If you don’t think you have to be right, you listen more. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Recognize that the other person deserves respect. Be willing to consider their opinion. Don’t be so quick to judge someone because of the political sign in their yard.'”

Do you have friends who support opposing candidates? How do you get along with them? 

Appeared in the October 21, 2020, print edition, Personal Journal pA13 as 

'How Neighbors Split on Politics Stay Close.'