About

The 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections revealed deeper wounds in America’s social fabric than I realized. You can still see the problem on display when folks (including me) try to explain the positions of those with whom they disagree politically, the attempts often devolving into overly-simplistic and not very credible rationalizations.

With the best of intentions, we’ve practically made meaningful political discourse a taboo. When we open that door, it’s often with those with whom we agree on things about which we agree. Pundits duke it out “on our behalf”, but that proxy war is often superficial and–on balance–it doesn’t seem to lead to greater understanding. The political and media landscape incentivizes treating us like the targets of an ad campaign, instead of responsible agents to whom our “leaders” have a civic duty. I don’t think that’s what this moment calls for.

The polarization that has taken hold across the country festers within each of us. To overcome it, we need to make spaces (and space in our lives) where political discourse that challenges our views is welcomed and encouraged. We need to shift from the ‘ad agency’/warfare model of political discourse to something more constructive. We need to listen to each other–earnestly, patiently, generous in our interpretations, and with an open heart and mind. Opening up ain’t easy, but it is needed. And if, despite our best efforts, things still fall apart, at least we tried.

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I sit in parks and the like with two chairs and a sign that says “Have a Seat”, and I chat with folks about the things that are important to them. Sometimes we agree; sometimes we disagree. Most of the time, I say stupid things and miss key points. But I do my best to listen and to engage earnestly and constructively. Here, I share some of those chats, reflect on how they (and life, generally) are influencing my views, and share my thoughts about having constructive conversations on difficult political topics.