We learn about division in elementary school. Mathematical division is harmless and often useful to make sense out of nonsense.
And what about division among and between people? And how does it happen?
Divisiveness, discord, disunity and schism happens when we stubbornly hang on to unexamined bias and prejudice which is a fancy way of describing narrow-mindedness. And we cling to this dangerous condition because of fear and anxiety. Fear and anxiety are both future oriented.
Some things are flat out unacceptable. The current discontent and sickness in our country is more than a political schism. Our way of life has been ruptured. Members of congress used to be social friends, bipartisan parties were common, issues could be addressed without being nasty or losing heart-felt convictions. The job of governing has become the work of non-leaders and mis-managers. We elect 535 people to make good law, and they are failing. Why do we keep them in office?
- Social security is going broke.
- Medicare is going broke.
- Immigration reform is a joke.
- Healthcare is in limbo or worse.
- Schools are a war zone.
- Infrastructure is aging and dangerous
- Climate change is real and out of control.
- And where is your voice?
Complacency is costly and unacceptable.
History holds examples of positive alternatives. The Minnesota Legislature used to meet only every other year. In the years in-between, bipartisan commissions were established to explore the major issues of their time. Legislative sessions were shorter and more productive – the hard work was already done. Imagine that – two parties working together!
We will share other like examples as we move forward. There will be stories that illustrate better practice when facing challenging situations. Your comments and inputs are most welcome as we begin a conversation intended to lead us to better results.
Fortunately, there are productive ways to overcome fear and anxiety. The stories we describe in this segment reveal how we can boldly defeat these conditions by engaging in the power of platinum communication instead of insisting on treating people the way I want to be treated.
