Musings: Find common ground when we start to listen
A group of teenagers exchange ideas with a teacher. Credit: Getty Images/StockPlanets
Financial stability and health care seem to be in danger. Regardless of party affiliation, we should have dialogues with each other to take control of our destiny.
Bipartisan coalitions by our political representatives must be established in good faith to resolve issues. Bipartisan groups should be formed to do the same. Local organizations can be active in attaining this goal.
Misinformation is spewing from some politicians, journalists and others, too, and it doesn’t help. The left and right hands work better when they move in tandem.
I suggest we do individual research on the consequences we face if we don’t act in unison. Ignore the many pundits on TV and elsewhere and learn facts for yourself. Once you are confident that you have done that, have a dialogue with people espousing opposite views. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn how many issues we all have in common.
Instead of avoiding speaking to people because they are on “the other side,” have conversations, not arguments.
Debate is healthy and helps find common ground. Arguing can make another person close down. Listening with an open mind can only help.
— Alan Goldman, Port Jefferson Station
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