Thursday Thirteen

Here are 13 ways that people could work to fix the political divide in the United States and bring people together:

1. Encouraging respectful and constructive dialogue: Leaders and individuals across the political spectrum should engage in respectful and constructive dialogue to understand and appreciate each other's perspectives. Unfortunately, I do not see this happening at the highest levels of government, or at the lowest. Admittedly, it is hard to appreciate the perspective of a white supremacist, racist, or close-minded zealot.

2. Promoting media literacy: Encouraging media literacy skills to help individuals recognize bias and misinformation can reduce the risk of people being manipulated by inaccurate information. It is a shame that it has come to this, that we cannot trust various media resources. I blame social media for this downfall of trust, and the fact that media had turned news into entertainment in the quest for money instead of serving as it should - a check on the balances of powers.

3. Supporting fact-checking initiatives: Fact-checking initiatives could be supported to promote accuracy in reporting and reduce the spread of false information. Most people do not take the time to fact check the things they share on social media. I went through a spell where I tried to point out that things were incorrect, but it didn't matter. People believe/think what they want to.

4. Increasing access to diverse viewpoints: People should be exposed to diverse viewpoints and be encouraged to learn from them. Unfortunately, I have found that many narrow-minded people have no desire to learn about anything that does not confirm their existing biases.

5. Encouraging civil discourse: Promote civil discourse among leaders and individuals across the political spectrum to foster an environment that is conducive to cooperation and compromise. This, I think, needs to start at the top and work its way into the national dialogue, but I don't see it happening. For example, why can't we see McCarthy and Biden attempt to work out the issues with the debt ceiling in a civil manner? Show their discussions and let us see two statesmen who are strong leaders debating without rancor and without incrimination. 

6. Focusing on common ground: Leaders and individuals across the political spectrum should focus on areas of common ground and work together to make progress on shared goals. I have found that when I speak individually to people who differ from me politically, we have more common ground than not. Not always, of course, but most times. However, sometimes that same person then goes back to disparaging "libtards" on social media as if our conversation never happened. That is disheartening.

7. Encouraging empathy: Leaders and individuals should practice empathy, understanding the perspectives of others, and work to address the needs of all Americans. This includes everyone regardless of race, color, gender, etc. Everyone has basic needs and this is a wealthy nation. We have too many homeless people and too many people who are on the fringes of society. We must build bridges.

8. Encouraging civic education: Encouraging civic education can help to increase understanding of the political process and promote greater civic engagement. Alas, a recent report showed that children in the US are failing miserably in history and civics. The pass rates were less than 25% in both areas. This is a travesty and I don't know how it happened. I had both history and civics in high school, and again in college (where I learned that much of the history I learned in the lower grades had been whitewashed although the basic facts were there). We can teach facts. Kids should know George Washington was the first president, Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president, and who the presidents have been in their lifetime, if nothing else. Basic facts.

9. Addressing inequality: Addressing inequality can reduce the social and economic disparities that can contribute to political polarization. This would take a miracle, as the US thrives on inequality and so many people seem unable to stand someone else having something they do not. This is especially true if they perceive people as receiving help with tax dollars.

10. Encouraging compromise: Leaders and individuals should be encouraged to compromise, and to work towards solutions that benefit the common good. I would like to see more compromise in the US Congress, especially. Locally, I do sometimes see compromise, or changes in a building plan, for example, that would better suit the neighbors. I see less of it now than I once did, however. Once again, this goes back to money. Money talks.

11. Promoting community engagement: Community engagement can help to bring people together, build trust, and foster a sense of shared purpose. Unfortunately, I find that the very idea of shared community is anathema to some, unless that community is an echo chamber. But diversity is necessary not just for personal learning but to bring society together and to increase growth and intelligence of the nation as a whole.

12. Encouraging political involvement: Encouraging political involvement can help to promote greater engagement in the political process and reduce polarization. Get out there and support your candidate! Create a 30-second talking point as to why anyone should support the candidate. If you can't get out, donate to campaigns of your choosing.

13. Promoting transparency: Promoting transparency in government and other institutions can help to increase trust and reduce political polarization. In Virginia, the legislature constantly tries to erode the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws so that more and more things can be discussed outside the purview of the citizenry. These folks represent us, they're spending our tax dollars, and secrets aren't good for morale. Pay attention when your state legislature is in session, and if you see erosion of FOIA, write your representative and object.

ChatGPT helped with this list.

Images from dreamstime (free photos section).

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 808th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.