Posted in Communication

No Comprehension, Just Digital Skimmers and Clickbait

Posted on by simplebender
A-Digit:gettyimages

In our rapidly evolving digital age, we face a critical challenge: a widespread decline in reading comprehension. This isn’t merely about reading less; it’s about how we process and understand information in ways that threaten the foundations of an informed society. Like crossing a pond, hopping from rock to rock, one headline to another, never pondering the depth of the pond.

The modern media landscape has transformed how we consume information. We are now digital skimmers racing through headlines and social media posts without pausing for deeper understanding. Our attention spans have dramatically shortened, trained by endless streams of bite-sized content and algorithmic feeds designed to keep us scrolling. While technology has democratized access to information, it has simultaneously fragmented our ability to process it meaningfully.

When we lose the capacity for deep reading, we sacrifice more than comprehension. We lose the essential tools for critical thinking and reasoned decision-making. Without these, we become vulnerable to misinformation and make snap judgments based on emotional triggers rather than careful analysis. We share articles without reading beyond headlines, allowing confirmation bias to override intellectual curiosity.

The problem extends beyond individual habits. Modern digital platforms, while offering unprecedented access to diverse perspectives, prioritize engagement over substance. Their interfaces exploit psychological vulnerabilities, training our brains to crave constant stimulation. Pressured by collapsing revenue models, traditional media outlets often choose clickbait over quality journalism and editing. The 24-hour news cycle demands speed over accuracy and gore over substance, making it increasingly difficult for nuanced, well-researched stories to find their audience.

Educational systems compound these challenges. Schools focused on standardized testing often prioritize rote memorization over critical thinking skills. Socioeconomic factors are crucial, as reading proficiency strongly correlates with economic status. Cultural stereotypes dismissing reading as uncool or elitist create additional barriers, particularly among young people—the very people we need to have open, inquisitive minds.

The consequences of this decline ripple through every aspect of society. In politics, discourse devolves into sloganeering and tribalism, while voters make decisions based on emotional appeals rather than policy analysis. Business leaders make snap judgments instead of studying data and long-term implications. In healthcare, the inability to comprehend medical literature leaves people vulnerable to pseudoscience, misguided health choices, and misinformation on diagnosis and treatment.

This crisis demands a multifaceted response. While individual efforts to read more deeply and verify information are important, they alone cannot address systemic issues. We need educational reforms that emphasize critical thinking and analysis. Media platforms should reconsider algorithms that prioritize engagement over understanding. News organizations need sustainable models that reward quality journalism. Authors must be succinct and reach their point without much fluff and dithering. Readers need to be able to read above a fifth-grade level.

Reading comprehension isn’t just about processing words. It’s about developing the cognitive tools to understand an increasingly complex world. Losing these capabilities will lessen our ability to engage in reasoned debate, empathize across differences, and make informed decisions about our collective future.

The decline in reading comprehension represents more than an educational challenge; it’s an existential threat to informed democracy and societal progress. While artificial intelligence and other technological advances pose their challenges, the erosion of human capacity for deep understanding and critical analysis may be our most pressing crisis.     simplebender.com

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Posted in Political

It is Election Season: Time to Sharpen Your Occam’s Razor

Posted on by simplebender

It is time to sharpen your personal Occam’s Razor. It is time for you to be able to thinly slice and dissect the information you see and hear and decide reality from fantasy. Your ability to differentiate between these two will determine your level of sensibility versus gullibility. All this as we prepare to cast our ballots.

Assessing the spin when listening to stories and news headlines is increasingly difficult. These are written by highly skilled and well-paid scriptwriters whose role is to take a little truth and to create a tale for the most significant impact. It is a tale with just enough truth to shield the whole story from excessive scrutiny. They play with words to spin the facts to twist your mind. This is why you need to sharpen your Occam’s Razor. This requires us to accept that the one solution to a problem is the one with the smallest possible complexities or has the fewest assumptions. While deciphering the spin of misinformation it is a method which allows you to ask: ‘Does that really make sense?’ and/or ‘If there is underlying truth, what is it and how much?’ Another way to understand is ‘The simplest explanation is usually the best.’

During this election cycle, like the last, there is a plethora of bogus stories being created to try and make a point or generate fanatical reactions. When candidates purposely espouse unverifiable comments, look behind their intent. They aren’t trying to set or defend policy. They are shifting the discussion and casting it in such a light to cause anxiety and social division. They want to avoid the rare moment of candor when admitting it is acceptable to create stories for a campaign or candidate’s benefit. Simply put, they want you to believe it is all right for candidates to tell lies and continue to tell them in an unadulterated attempt to energize support. In our elections, dabbling in fantastical make-believe shouldn’t be acceptable to garnish support. It shows weakness of position and is insulting to the voters. Does it really make sense to claim one political party can control the weather and the other not? Is it really likely one political party would sponsor attempted assassinations and recruit inexperienced snipers? Is it really likely one candidate wants to be dictator for only one day? Do you really believe a vice-presidential candidate is plotting an Article 25 coup after inauguration? Did you really believe foreign corporations will pay tariffs or domestic consumers? Do you really believe any individual candidate can reduce inflation? And, do you really think those military personnel who have died, injured, or were captured are losers and suckers; really?

Sharpen your Occam’s Razor. Guard yourself against the frauds, lies, and spin. Question everything and everyone. Think critically. Ask yourself if something said makes basic common sense or if it is just too fantastical or complicated to be real and true. Is it simply a cooked-up story, a lie with a smidgen of truth, or a repeated lie which now seems true because it has been told so many times? The problem is these concocted fantasies seduce millions. It seems America’s standard of greatness is now based on lies, deception, and disparaging others while pandering to the gullible. There is value in credibility and believability, or at least there used to be.

The one thing salacious, rancorous, weak candidates do not want is a thinking, analytical voter. Candidates want the easily swayed and unsuspecting. They play with their fears and not their common sense. They weaponize fear, anxiety, disinformation, and hate fueled by lies to seduce you and secure your vote. This year, every year, disappoint them. Think for yourself and break away from the clutches of someone else’s twisted reality, which holds you captive. Listen, study, ask critical questions, and don’t be a single-issue voter. Exercise your Occam’s Razor and then vote accordingly, country before party.  #NeverFearTheDream    simplebender.com

A version of this article was first published in the Bend Bulletin 10/18/24

Posted in Joy In Alzheimer's

Joy In Alzheimer’s*: Episode 57: Eulogy

Posted on by simplebender

Joy was an amazing woman, friend, wife, and mother. Her ninety-one years were filled with love for everyone she met, adventure, and a caring spirit right to the end. Joy passed on September 22, 2024. Some of her final words were, ‘I’m the most blessed person in the world.’ We didn’t have the heart to tell her it was us, all of us, whom she made the most blessed just by being her and being part of our lives.

Joy was born in far west Texas in 1933 as the depression was slowing ending. She grew up on a farm/ranch learning to keep everything, ‘just in case,’ and more importantly, acceptance. Her playmates and friends on the ranch and the small school were of mixed races and religions. She imparted her conviction of acceptance to her sons, their friends, and hers.

Joy didn’t just study the Bible; she lived its teachings. She brought her love of people, all people, to the Presbyterian Session and helped guide her church to be inclusive and welcoming, to teach lessons of life, and to be better neighbors. Joy often said she prayed twice because she was so engaged in the church choir.

Joy would often say the only thing she ever wanted to be was a wife and mother. She was terrific at both. She was a dedicated, loving wife. She traveled the backroads of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Wyoming, living and starting a family in a trailer with her life partner as he worked the mining fields and mineral exploration projects. These were her ‘nomad’ years, which were at times lonely and hard but mostly filled with adventure and broadening experiences.

To us, she was the best mom and mom to our friends. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was the best Momo ever. She was always there. She always had a hand to hold when ours were scared and trembling. She always had kind, loving, supporting words, teaching us the lessons she felt she needed to impart. She took all our friends under her wing and gave them the same love and attention she gave us. She opened our home and welcomed anyone who needed a place to stay. She didn’t care about gender, race, or religion; they were our friends, and therefore, they were her extra children, whom she loved.

Joy was an accomplished lady when women weren’t necessarily supposed to be. She earned a teaching degree and worked as a substitute teacher. Then, she returned to college fifteen years later, earning a Bachelor of Science in Library Science. Joy was a fantastic Cub Scout Den Mother. She was instrumental in converting the high school from a PTA to a PTSA because she believed the student’s opinions should be heard. Joy was a religious leader and was one of the first women Deacons and Elders in the local Presbyterian church. Joy strenuously advocated for a new neighborhood hospital and gave testimony before the Texas State Legislature. But Joy was most proud to be on the Board of Directors of the Lee Moor Children’s Home in El Paso. She was a tireless advocate for the children and their future. And Joy was always one who never turned down a glass of wine or a piece of Dove dark chocolate. Cheers, Joy….

Joy knew time with people was more special than any task. She spent time making a friend with everyone and helping whenever she could. Ironically, that helping hand became her downfall. She would be all right with that if she could remember. Joy lived with the idea that if you want to go fast, you go alone; if you want to go far, take someone with you. She took many of us by the hand and took us along on an incredible journey. A person’s reach should be longer than their grasp. Joy’s reach has touched so many far, far, beyond her grasp, and we are all much, so much better because of her. She will never be gone as long as we remember her and tell her stories.

Next up….Epilogue

NeverFearTheDream    #JoyInAlzheimer’s    simplebender.com

Joy In Alzheimer’s Articles-The Beginnings:

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The Full story of Joy in Alzheimer’s can be found at:

Joy in Alzheimer’s: My Mom’s Brave walk into dymentia’s abyss

*This is Joy’s and our journey….what affects her may not be what is, or will, affect you or your loved one. These are our observations and obstacles, if by talking about them helps you; great. Stay well….

Posted in Communication

Bravado In Anonimity

Posted on by simplebender

Why are we so much braver, louder, and opinionated when we are anonymous? When no one knows who we are we yell, and scream protected by the fog of obscurity. Is the bravado of anonymity a sign of general cowardice? History has many examples showing those who cover their faces with masks and hoods are more aggressive. Anonymity is used as a shield and a foil. A shield to protect those brave enough to risk blowing the whistle on corruption, poor safety, and other malicious acts otherwise wanting to be kept secret. A foil as a weapon to perpetuate misinformation, rumors, and lies to injure someone’s life or reputation. We are in a technology-driven world, able to easily conceal our true identity. In fact, today we don’t have to use hoods and masks, while still some choose to. Today, we can assume many identities on many platforms to further expand our efforts to discredit and perpetuate conspiracy theories.

Not so long ago, individuals took immense pride in expressing their thoughts and opinions openly, willingly attaching their names to their words and actions. People valued the recognition and accountability that came with sharing their ideas publicly. There was a sense of personal responsibility and integrity in communication. Unfortunately, those days seem to have faded into the past, replaced by a culture of hiding, concealing, and distancing from one’s statements.

In our current digital landscape, we face significant challenges in identifying and confirming the sources of information. The ease with which individuals can hide behind pseudonyms or fabricated identities has made it increasingly difficult to trace the origins of statements, claims, or accusations. This shift has profound implications for the quality and reliability of public discourse.

If we aspire to have a culture of accountability, it is imperative we support individuals willing to stand firmly behind their words. This means creating and supporting an environment where people are not only comfortable but proud to associate their identities with their expressions. We can create a more transparent, responsible, and trustworthy communication landscape by re-enforcing this connection between individuals and their statements. Personal accountability is essential for rebuilding trust in our interactions and information exchanges, both online and offline.

Protocols can be put in place to truncate the use of anonymity as a false shield and sharp foil. Social media outlets can require a publicly accessible, verifiable name associated with each account. There can be a limit on the number of times any tweet and/or post of any article can be blindly or mindlessly forwarded. Algorithms can be written to require human interaction to verify accounts and terminate those that cannot be verified. Imagine the impact on bot propagation if ten percent of every social media account was randomly verified every day. If social media companies can write and employ algorithms to target content, contacts, and advertising, they can create this algorithm. The local newspapers could refuse to publish and reject electronic comments by contributors using unique usernames and not their real names. Most papers require Guest Column and Letter to the Editor contributors to give their full name and verifiable contact information before publication. The same could be required for all. This isn’t censorship, this is requiring everyone to dissolve themselves.

For those who have anonymously sent snarky physical letters and online comments, your fake bravado is acknowledged. While I appreciate your concern for my well-being, I would more welcome an opportunity to have a civil dialogue. We don’t have to agree to be respectful and listen to each other. So, who am I? Like every contributing author, I am your neighbor willing to express a thought or opinion, sign my name, and stand by my words.

  simplebender.com

This was first published in the Bend Bulletin 9/11/24 Patriot’s Day

Posted in Philosophy

The Cosmic Treadmill: Time, Energy, and the Great Solar Lap

Posted on by simplebender

Imagine the Earth as a cosmic runner on a celestial treadmill, circling the Sun in its annual marathon. This cosmic racetrack spans about 940 million kilometers, and whether you are a newborn or a centenarian, the finish line arrives in precisely 365.25 days. Time, in its relentless march, does not care about the state of the runner – it is an impartial timekeeper in our universal stadium. Unless we drop out of the race, we all finish at precisely the same time every year.

Here’s where things get interesting: while the track remains constant, we, the runners, the individuals in the human race, change dramatically over time. The real mind-bender is that while we struggle to keep up with basic life, time keeps marching at the same relentless pace. The Earth does not slow down its cosmic dance just because your back hurts or your busted knees do not work either. Deadlines still loom, birthdays still sneak up on you, and somehow, it is always tax season again.

It is almost like the universe is playing some sick resource management game. “Here’s your annual allotment of time,” it says, “but we’re going to keep decreasing your energy levels. Good luck with that.” And we are left scrambling, trying to cram more into less, wondering how we ever had time for hobbies or, you know, a social life.

Imagine you are a shiny new car, fresh off the assembly line. Your engine purrs, your gears shift smoothly, and your fuel efficiency is at its peak. You zoom around the solar racetrack, accomplishing multiple tasks with minimal effort. This is you in your prime, a well-oiled machine capable of incredible feats within that 365-day lap.

Now, a few decades later. You are still making the same lap, but something is changed. Your once-pristine engine is now coughing and sputtering. Your gears grind a bit, and your fuel efficiency has taken a nosedive. This is the essence of aging – increasing entropy in our biological systems.

In terms of physics, we are dealing with the concept of mechanical efficiency. Our body’s ability to convert chemical energy (food) into mechanical work (actions) decreases as we age. It is like trying to power a Tesla with a steam engine – you will still move, but it won’t be pretty, and it certainly won’t be efficient.

Let’s quantify this with some napkin physics. Suppose you were young and could do 100 tasks per solar lap, requiring 1,000 units of energy. Your efficiency rating would be a respectable 0.1 tasks per energy unit. You can get several workouts in a day, along with your work, and raise your rambunctious young family.

Fast-forward 60 years. You’re lucky to manage 50 tasks with the same energy input. Your efficiency has halved to 0.05 tasks per energy unit. Now you are happy with one workout, a little reading time, and a little time of playing with the grandkids before your early bedtime.

This deterioration is akin to mechanical wear and tear. Just as a car’s engine loses compression over time, our cellular machinery accumulates damage. Mitochondria, our body’s power plants, become less efficient at producing ATP, the energy currency of cells. It is like trying to run a modern smartphone on a battery from the 1990s – technically possible, but woefully inadequate.

The cruel irony is that as our energy efficiency plummets, our energy demands often increase. Maintaining basic biological functions – the equivalent of a car’s idle speed – requires more fuel as we age. It is as if our personal gravitational field intensifies, making every movement an uphill battle against an invisible force.

Yet, the Earth keeps spinning, completing its solar lap with unwavering precision. The cosmic treadmill does not slow down or offer a gentler incline for its aging runners. This disconnect between our internal time – measured in declining energy and capability – and the unyielding external time creates the illusion of time speeding up as we age.

In essence, we are dealing with a fundamental mismatch between biological and astronomical timescales. Our personal energy graphs slope downward while the Earth’s orbital period stays stubbornly constant. It is a cosmic joke played on a universal scale – a reminder that while we may be star stuff, we are also subject to the unforgiving laws of thermodynamics.

As we continue our laps around the sun, remember: the race does not get longer, but the runner certainly gets slower. It is up to us to make each lap count, efficiency be damned. The Earth’s going to keep on spinning, and time is going to keep on flying, which we cannot change. We can change how we use the energy we have left. Maybe it is time to say “screw it” to the things that don’t matter and double down on what does. After all, even if you double down you are only going to achieve a tenth of what you want to….#NeverFearTheDream

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Posted in Philosophy

Life’s Continuance

Posted on by simplebender

We all look at life, and death, differently. Some differences are subtle, others dramatic. Some lean heavily upon religious practices and beliefs to understand and cope with the unknown. Others seek solitude and find solace in nature’s quiet while they calm their minds to calm their souls. Neither approach is right nor wrong, inferior, or superior. They are simply different means to reconcile life, life’s end, and the unknown nature of life after death.

What if there was no death but only a continuance? What if there is an ‘after-life’ of soul and body? Indeed, there is an end to our physical manifestation, but is that the entirety of existence? Or do we continue through our families and the generations to follow? A never-ending continuing sequence in humankind.

Look at your hand, what do you see? Do you only see your hand, your skin, your blood vessels, your skin cells? Is that all you, see? Look closer, I see all those but also, I see my parents, and their parents, and theirs before them and farther still. I see a continuum of life. A never ending always building continuance. Every cell in my body has the genetic sequence of my family past. While unique, I am not new. I am a product of the infinite interactions of all my forebears and theirs.

Look at your child’s hand and the hands of their children. Look closely. There it is. There you are. And there is your family’s past. You are a part of them. You always have been and always will be. You will always be a part of the future generations to come as well.

While you are part of them forever, they are also part of you. You cannot separate yourself from a part of something of which you are integral. They will continue after your physical form is gone. They will carry your memories and your teachings, good and bad, and pass them on to others. More importantly, you will always be with them, a part of every cell within them.

Look at your children holding their children’s hands and know you are holding their hands as well. Even if you are not there physically, you are there and always will be. There is no passing, only a continuance. No death; as life goes on.

NeverFearTheDream

Posted in Philosophy

Assessing Leadership: The Search for Quality

Posted on by simplebender

How do you assess a leader, or maybe just maybe even yourself? What are the qualities which make any person a good leader or a good person? For each of us the criteria for determination will vary but have similar threads. These are critical times for each of us to evaluate and assess our leaders, want-to-be leaders, and frankly ourselves. A recent Marquette Law School survey showed fifty-seven percent of us have little to no confidence in Congress*. These are our elected representatives and leaders. We should assess them differently.

Think about a few characteristics which can be used to understand if they are making progress in pursuit of being better leaders. Characteristics which we can use to figure out if there is improvement rather than feeling good or feeling satisfied. Decisions on who should be a leader should not be about good feelings, but on tangible qualities.

Ask a few simple questions, these ten might be a good start:

  • Are they criticizing anybody?
  • Are they blaming anybody?
  • Are they accusing anybody?
  • Do they react to criticism and complements the same?
  • When they face obstacles do they find solutions or find fault?
  • When wrong, are they contrite or vengeful?
  • Do they demand loyalty over honesty?
  • Do they say the ‘right things’ or do the right things?
  • Do they look toward the future or dwell on the past?
  • Do they lead through hope or fear?

These are questions we should be asking about those who want to lead. We should be asking ourselves if they are more interested in promoting themselves or our county, state, and country. Are they leaders who bring out the best in all of us, or the worst?

Interestingly, the Greek stoic philosopher Epictetus during his life (50-185 AD) routinely asked many of these questions. He asked them to assess whether he and his students were making progress simply in becoming better people. We can still use them to assess the quality of ourselves and our future leaders.

Every election is an opportunity for each of us to look at the candidates, and ourselves, and ask some hard, yet basic, questions. Elections have consequences. There will not ever be a candidate who will satisfy all of us, on every subject. But there can be candidates who have standards of decency which most of us can appreciate and support. There are those who do lead with vision and recognize to be a world leader you must be an active player in world events and not an isolationist. There are those who do not parse and spin the words and facts for their personal gain or quest to retain power. There are those. We need to find them, support them, and dispose of those who do not genuinely satisfy, at least most of, our expectations of a leader. Never fear the dream of a better political and social system. Face the issues and constructively correct deficiencies, one at a time.

*MLSPSC18ToplinesRV.knit (marquette.edu)

This was first published in the Bend Bulletin 3/7/24

Posted in Political

Escape America’s Scaphism—WE CAN

Posted on by simplebender

America is suffering its own self-inflicted Scaphism torture. The body America is restrained and sandwiched between unyielding aspects of our political system. Our head, arms, and legs extended out of our encasement as misinformation is feed to us like milk and honey. We eagerly engorge ourselves on unfiltered and uncorroborated statements and political propaganda vilifying our opponents without ever clearly stating our own direction. As we, the body America are trapped, encased in our vessel the maggots, flies and birds begin to find our filth inviting and our defenselessness exciting. We, the greater populous are trapped and dying because of special self-interests, single issues, and greed.

This is an unusually cruel form of torture, humiliation, and death. The greater body trapped, unable to move as our extremities flail. Slowly succumbing to the attacks from the vermin outside and knowing it is our own fault that we cannot escape. Our enemies celebrate and make wagers on how long we can survive. Our allies look on as our great democratic republic, once the envy of the world, is reduced to a heap of rotting flesh. Able only to scream, curse, and cast blame on everyone else. It’s the extreme right, the progressives, the immigrants, it’s misinformation, it’s the mainstream media; it’s everything’s fault but ours. In factuality, we are the problem and our own cause for our pain and demise.

We listen to the attacks on our national institutions and the steady drumbeat of lies, steals, dishonor, witch-hunts, scapegoats, all of those believing they are being persecuted, and all the victims. Lies and propaganda are espoused to deflect blame and avoid accountability and responsibility. The once moral majority has lost its moral compass. Our elected representatives succumb to the threats of violence and the greed of self-interest for re-election. We have allowed ourselves to be imprisoned in our own horrific Scaphism.

Can we escape our own torture? Yes, we can. We must be willing to work toward the greater good and move forward not backwards. A nation of sons and daughters of immigrants shouldn’t belittle and vilify new immigrants, regardless of skin tone or religious background. Our religious communities should follow their own teachings and be accepting and supportive of those who are different and downtrodden. We should, without hesitation, embrace our unvarnished national history and acknowledge what we did right and what we’ve done wrong. We need to be unabashedly proud and uncomfortably ashamed at the same time.  We should welcome challenging ideas and ideals while respecting our neighbor’s individual preferences and orientations just like you want yours respected. Check and double check everything we see, read, and/or hear on the internet or media.

We don’t have to live in an all or nothing social and political system. If we don’t start listening and understanding all perspectives and compromising; our representative democratic republic we will perish a very public, humiliating, painfully slow, grotesque death and fall into a tyrannical autocracy. Unfortunately, there are a lot among us those who want nothing more. simplebender.com

This article was first published in the Bend Bulletin 1/24/24

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Posted in Philosophy

Tribalism: Once Saved Us; Now Threatens Us

Posted on by simplebender

Tribalism, the mutual agreement to join for the collective good, may have been the deciding act which saved humankind from extinction. We are weaker, slower, and mature at a retarded pace as compared to other top tier predators. Our intelligence and communication skills allowed us to recognize we are stronger together than we were apart. Tribalism saved us as a species. Tribalism is now about the control of thought and dictating morality. It threatens the wellbeing of our communal lives and wellbeing.

The irony is breathtaking. We eagerly join our ‘tribe’ at a sporting event and cheer for our team. We collectively jeer the opponent and their supporters. We don’t ask if the tribesman next to us is of any specific religious or political persuasion. We don’t care, they are part of our team’s tribe, yelling as loud as us. We will part ways and then subdivide into alternate tribes for religious service or a political rally. We will hear how ‘we’ are right, and ‘they’ are wrong. Even though just a few hours before we were high-fiving and hugging ‘them’ at every score. As our tribes shrink, differences magnify. Pride in heritage warps into fear of the unfamiliar and righteousness crowds out nuance. And so, the walls arise. Brick by brick dividing neighbor from neighbor, hands once joined now curled into fists or spread in contempt. Religion is not supposed to be divisive. It is an individual’s path to spiritual enlightenment and salvation. Don’t question their chosen path; be glad they are on one. Politics is a blood sport and all about power. Setting policy and governing is supposed to be an opportunity to politely voice our opinion about the community direction. Expressing one’s opinion, in a democratic republic, was never supposed to succumb to violent yelling or physical threats. But rather, thoughtful debates and exchange of ideas and ideals. Building from our differences for our betterment. True strength springs not from might over another but the robustness within. Creating societies where all parties thrive, not in spite of diversity but because of it. Where our shared hopes eclipse artificial difference. Remember, the opponent’s supporters are neither deplorables nor vermin, they are people. People who have different experiences and beliefs which we can learn from and not fear.

It’s hard to lead when you won’t listen to opposing ideas. Opinions and politics are partisan, the truth isn’t. The whole truth is just the truth, and sometimes it’s hard to hear. Unwillingness to listen leads to authoritarianism. The tribes we are now so closely aligning ourselves to aren’t working for our general well-being but for division. Divisions, initially narrow and arbitrary, will widen and bring general pain and suffering. There is more we can do by being cooperative than being repressive and judgmental. It will not be easy to transcend tribal instincts wired over eons of struggle. The tendency to sort people into “us” versus “them” arises innately. Still, humanity has forged bonds across divides before. We as a country have done this so many times. We must execute that legacy now when tribal lines harden once more. Keep sight not just of our group’s glory but those waiting in the gaps longing to contribute their verse. Our joint chorus will achieve symphonic resonance if we let it. Distinctive voices yet harmonizing ones.

Perhaps new generations will look back at this era of ossified tribalism as the last gasp rather than the death knell of our inclusive society. We must nurture change over panic; patience over prejudice; conscience over convenience; country over party; acceptance over judgment; and truth over fear. The effort is constant and hard. The effort yields a better world and a better country. A community, a grander tribe, where we all belong. simplebender.com

This article was first published in the Bend Bulletin as a Guest Column 12/14/23

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