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A Nation Divided Serves No One

June 28, 2012 by 2 Comments

 

I am venturing into a sensitive topic, but I feel passionately about this so you’ll have to bear with me.

In less than 30 minutes, the Supreme Court of the United States will hand down its final judgement for this session – a decision on three cases. Two of the cases will get little to no scrutiny tomorrow. The decision on the third case, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), will be the talk of the country for days and weeks to come.

Source: http://discour.se/

I’m a political and news junkie, but I am not looking forward to this announcement. I believe our nation is at a crossroad and we can ill afford the division that is sure to come from the court’s decision. A nation divided serves no one.

It Starts With Conversation

I realize that we will not agree on everything, but I encourage us to reach out and be in conversation with our neighbors – those we like and those we like a little less – and find common ground. I believe this to be important every day, but especially today.

This blog and podcast is grounded in the power of conversation.  In fact, from day one, I’ve made it clear that I believe in the power of conversation.  As move closer to the November election and we react, both publicly and privately, to the decision on ACA today, I want us to remember the following:

  • Through conversations, relationship are formed: When I the take time to engage in a meaningful conversation with someone and do so with open heart and mind, I am forming a relationship with that individual. I may disagree with their opinion, but engaging them in a conversation, listening and being open to them help to strengthen that relationship.
  • Through conversations, knowledge is shared: A meaningful conversation with someone always serves as an opportunity for me to expand my knowledge. I am always amazed at the things I learn from the conversations I have.  Just this morning, I talked with someone who is heading off to Iraq to serve our nation. He’s part of a State Department team that’s doing work there. I’ve seen this guy around my community for 5 years and never realized that he served our country in that capacity.
  • Through conversations, life happens and finds meaning: Think about the moments in life that you cherish the most. Chances are they are the results of a meaningful conversation you’ve had or relationship you have. I often think back to a conversation I had with a friend at a leadership retreat 9 years ago. Our conversation was about life planning and our hopes for the future. It was such a meaningful conversation and it strengthen my relationship with this guy and has provided a spark for many of the things I’ve done since them.

We won’t always agree and we’ll have different perspectives on life and the big issues facing our community and our nation. Let us not focus our attention on those things that make us different.  Let’s commit to being in conversation with each other and celebrate the things we have in common and use them to bridge the gap when we disagree.  A nation divided serves no one.

Be well and make it a great day!

Marc Vaillancourt
@bassclefmusic

 

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  • Coyotepots

      We all keep talking about the need for open minded discourse, but don’t seem to get anywhere in doing that.
      I’ve observed that we form our opinions from our own personal experience. So for me to take an absolute position on the way to solve a particular problem means I must think I have total and absolute knowledge of the facts surrounding an issue.  I, personally don’t feel I ever have total knowledge of anything.
      The discourse part is to add someone else’s experience to mine, thus perhaps arriving at a better solution.
      And what is the implication to my opinion if I do not have that total knowledge or if external circumstances change?

    • mvaillancourt

      I agree completely.  The challenge for me at least is that I must always remember that there is value in the opinion and perspective of the other person.  When I keep an open mind and create an environment where conversations can come to life, I always learn something and increase my knowledge on whatever subject is at hand. 

      And you are correct in your statement that “discourse adds someone else’s experience to mine” and that a better solution is often the end result!

      Thanks for you comment Tom!

      Marc