Crossing Party Lines

Yesterday evening, I took part in a nationwide conference call with an organization that is aiming to gather support for the American Anti-Corruption Act. The organization is asking its supporters to form committees in every congressional district. They wisely requested that we make an effort to cross party lines and ensure that each committee is made up of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. Ideally, they would like each committee to reflect the political makeup of the district itself.

“That make sense,” says I, to myself. I considered how I might go about this.

Each of us had the opportunity to ask questions during this conference call. More than one participant expressed concern about how to find and approach people from opposing parties.  They requested talking points to help us reach out to those with political affiliations that are different from our own.

I’ve been thinking about this. Are we really so polarized that we no longer know how to speak to people who have views that are different from our own? I know it is often said that we should avoid talking about religion and politics, particularly in mixed company, but these two issues are worth discussing. Are we that out of practice? It seems we like to communicate via Facebook, with fancy graphics and short, witty quotes, but we don’t try to really engage in lengthy discussions.   Can we not remain respectful and hold a conversation about issues on which we disagree? I suspect we can find common ground, even with those from “the other side.” Reducing the corruption in Congress is, perhaps, one of those issues on which we can agree.

For more information about the American Anti-Corruption Act, please visit http://anticorruptionact.org/ If you or anyone you know is interested in joining a committee, please let me know.  So far my committee has one member.  I’m pretty easy-going, I enjoy working with people from all points on the political spectrum, and I could use your help. Thank you.