In several admonitions, I've read that one should
listen with the intent of understanding – rather than listen with the intent of
replying (decrying). Is this possible anymore?
In the 1970s, I went with a friend to distribute political
flyers. His father was deeply involved with local politics and had recruited us
for an afternoon of stuffing flyers under the windshield wipers of cars parked
at the Monroe County Fair. These flyers were in support of a candidate from the
___________ Party.
While we were scooting between rows of cars, an RV rolled
into the parking lot. The side of the RV was painted asking John Q. Public to
support the opposing candidate – obviously from the ___________ Party.
The opposing candidate asked my friend’s father if he had a
minute to talk. They disappeared into the RV for about 20 minutes.
When he emerged – with a big smile and a hearty
handshake from the candidate – he said, “Boys, our job has changed. Start taking
those flyers off the cars and replace them with these. “These” were the RV
candidate’s flyers.
I was an underclassman in high school at the time, but this left quite
an impression. An impression so deep that I remain leery (hoping I’m not cynical)
about the entire political machine. I witnessed an individual change loyalties
in essentially the snap of a finger.
Incidentally, the RV candidate won the election and my
friend’s father ascended to his Washington, DC staff. Probably a coincidence
(oops, that was cynical, wasn’t it?).
I think quite of few “Mr. Smiths” go to Washington (if you don't know the allusion, watch
Jimmy Stewart in this marvelous Frank Capra directed film Mr. Smith Goes To Washington). I do, sadly, believe that the political culture
changes good people. Suddenly, being in power unseats their soul.
What’s that old joke? How do you tell if a politician is
lying? Their lips are moving.
I was so excited to vote when I turned 18 – and I remain
committed to voting in every election during my lifetime. Every year, however,
I become more and more sickened by the election cycle.
Oh, sure – the “other side” has done this and the “other
side” is guilty of that. Well, that’s both sides – accept it.
There was a “60 Minutes” interview with a recently retired
politician. In the interview, he was called out for lying on the Senate floor
about the opposing party’s presidential candidate (who lost). This former
Senator said, “Worked, didn’t it?”
Now, the political machine’s vitriol is infecting the
general populous. Decades-long friends no longer speak because they are on
opposite sides of the divide. There is an assumption that followers of certain
candidates are awful human beings and are chided. Unless you agree with X or Y,
you are subhuman.
This started with a lament about listening. Here’s a thought
– sit down with someone whose views (and votes) do not match yours. Calmly
listen to what he or she believes. Don’t counter. Don’t try
to convert. Listen. Listen. Listen.
Then, ask them to listen. If he or she won’t - start over with another
person.
We all love our country – in hundreds of different ways! Avoid the
vitriol.
And, if you see me on the street – give me a hug and tell me
not to be cynical!
Ear image reported to be in the public domain and available HERE.
