Disagree Better

The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday, although shocking at first, didn’t really surprise me.

I’ve thought for awhile now it would be just a matter of time before someone took a shot at one of the candidates.

So, what happens now?

Do we continue on in the same vein spewing hate towards one another or do we meet somewhere in the middle?

Is there such a thing as healthy conflict?

Can we learn to disagree better?

That remains to be seen.

Robert Gates, former secretary of defense to both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, recently shared he believes polarization is currently the greatest threat to the United States.

Polling shows that 70 percent of Americans believe America is in crisis and at risk of failing, and 40 percent of Americans report they’ve lost faith in U.S. Democracy.

What can we do to change this pattern?

A suggestion is to not spend as much on time on social media which tends to stoke the embers of hate speech.

Instead, spend more time attending events and joining groups that foster unity.

When we belong to a church, a Rotary or Kiwanis Club, a book club, organizations that foster friendships, and a chance to serve others, we’re less likely to make politics our religion.

I’m not asking people to forego their beliefs.

I’m conservative and I’ll continue to criticize ideas I think are wrong, just like I’m sure my more liberal slanted friends will.

I just hope we can use the right approach.

One that doesn’t involve a rifle.

Let’s find a way to disagree better.

See you out there.