November 6, 2024

Dear Friends, 

I’VE BEEN THINKING: Sunday’s shift to standard time took us back an hour. Yesterday’s vote took us back 100 years. It is heartbreaking and frightening. Yet history reminds me that all is not lost. In 1972, as a 15-year-old I campaigned my heart out for George McGovern. Minutes after the polls closed in New York State (where I lived), the networks called the election for Richard Nixon. A landslide. Darkness by any measure. Two years later, Nixon was gone and we began to see a new dawn. We are in that darkness now; it’s too soon to see the light. But I have to believe it’s there and it will come... And it will take everything we have in us.

WHAT WE CAN DO NOW: All of us—whether we are Democrats or Republicans —are suffering from the impact of the loneliness epidemic, polarization, and division. We don’t feel seen or heard by others, especially those on the other side of the aisle. What we’ve been doing since 2016 isn’t working — it’s time to try new strategies, especially with Thanksgiving coming up in 3 weeks when many of us will be sitting down with those we disagree with (or vice versa).

(above) Earlier this morning, I appeared on Fox5DC with anchor Marissa Mitchell

1.   Stop trying to win debates: Instead listen carefully, allow someone time to speak, summarize back what they’ve said rather than arguing your position. When it’s your turn, share personal stories rather than statistics, slogans or name calling.

2.   Shed your own skin or armor: Vulnerability breeds vulnerability, which allows us to connect on a human level. We want to be seen to be heard, which lets others do the same. This is our secret weapon to connection.

3.   Stop pointing fingers at others: We live in a world full of contempt, whether Dem or Rep. We bring our biases to the forefront every day. Rather than point fingers at others, take your own inventory. Look at yourself in the mirror. Examine the ways you may be expressing contempt. 

4.   We rely too heavily on our experiences for what’s true in the world: Too often we think that how we see the world is how everyone does. Not true. That’s why those with different experiences are threatening to us. Expand your vision. 

5.   Practice offering small acts of kindness/consideration to others: Actions are often more important than words. Kindness is viral and has a positive impact on both giver and receiver. That’s how we can come together.

Let me know what else is on your minds.

I encourage you to voice your own opinion and comment on my columns. Please click on the links and post away. And, of course, feel free to Facebook, Tweet, Pin, etc. Your social commentary is very much appreciated!