I can’t tell you how relieved I am that the election is over. Finally. I have my views and you can have yours. I posted a couple of times about how we need to lower the temperature of the room. I’ve been watching videos of people losing their minds! It’s unnerving to see these videos.
I’m a conservative and I offer no apologies about that. While I may not agree 100% with a candidate I have found a way to make peace with my vote. I have a list of criteria that align with my Christian faith. Again, no apologies.
My grandpa used to say “Our opinions are like armpits. We all have more than one and they all stink.” In other words, my opinions are better than your opinions and vice versa. But how can we move past this election cycle? How can Republicans and Democrats foster cooperation after the election?
#1 - Encourage Open & Honest Dialogue in a Spirit of Community. Leaders and community members should be hosting forums and town halls to discuss key issues. We need to create safe spaces for respectful discussion. No judgement, just a conversation. We need to learn how to listen to one another. Stop dehumanizing the other side of the aisle. Try to understand each other’s perspectives. Seek to focus on positive things. And find compromises.
#2 - Prioritize Goals That Are Good For America… Now! We need to focus on shared issues like our veterans, the economy, gas prices, taxes, Social Security, healthcare, infrastructure, education, etc. Surely we can help both sides of the aisle work toward solutions that benefit everyone. We need to set aside polarizing topics (temporarily) and make progress on areas where there’s common ground. Immediate needs are paramount. When it comes to hot button issues, we don’t have to keep pushing the button! A professor in college taught me “We should seek to hear first and then be heard.”
#3 - Elevate Community Projects. Bring the local needs to the front. We’ve spent enough time, thinking about the national government and state government. Our politicians need to get out of Washington DC (and Montgomery,AL) and be more involved in local, grass roots bipartisan initiatives. We see a lot of politicians out in the community before the election, but we never see them afterward. They get our money and our vote and seem to disappear until is election time again. Where are they when we’re have service projects? Politicians from both sides need to work together on something tangible and beneficial to their constituents.
#4 - Promote Bipartisan Friendships. Linking arms and being seen with a former (defeated) candidate is actually a sign of strength, in my eyes. Elected leaders should take notice of social gatherings that encourage them to build personal relationships, trust, and even admiration for their colleagues. This is one of the primary reasons why our forefathers felt that the runner-up to the presidential election should be appointed as the vice president. We’ve forgotten that was a rule. Fellowship often leads to better collaboration on policy issues. I would recommend that the winner of a contest should immediately get involved in a project or charity that was supported by their opponent.
#5 - Strengthen Education & Civic Responsibility. Emphasizing civics education in schools can help but younger generations need to understand that elections have consequences. We need to see the importance of bipartisanship and staying informed on key issues throughout the year. Programs inside and outside the classroom can teach our community about how government works. We need to encourage critical thinking and constructive criticism. We need more information about what’s going on now and participation to effect real change.
Most of all I think we need steps toward empathy, respect, unity and collaboration. We need to reduce polarization and build trust across political lines. Dr. Jack Zorn used to say, “You’re country. Love it and lead it!” We have led with our voices and votes. Now we need to lead by our example. We are not enemies. We are Americans.
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
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