Listen

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.