Solutions Are Possible: Post-Election Poll Indicates

Progress on important and divisive issues requires many things. But first and foremost is the belief that progress is possible. Without that, there is no reason to engage, no reason to listen, no reason to do the hard work required to move forward. So it is encouraging to us to see the MacArthur Foundation’s recent “Perspectives” post by Julia M. Stasch, “Solutions Are Possible: Post-Election Poll Indicates”. The net-net, regardless of region, race, education or preferred presidential candidate people overwhelmingly believe it is possible to find solutions to the most pressing problems we face. That’s a great way to be thinking as we get set for 2017, a year that will undoubtedly test people’s resolve to be civil in public discourse and willing to hear facts and positions presented by those they disagree with.

A New Center

Here’s a great piece by two political opponents, Bill Kristol and William Galston that finds common ground on fundamental principles. Yes, there is an implied message here that many people may not appreciate. But the fact that two people who see the world very differently from a strategy perspective would stand together on principles despite the political risk is another proof point that we can improve our public discourse in a way that can bring meaningful change. Hats off to Kristol and Galston!

How to reunite America by disagreeing agreeably

Is there any hope the deep wounds in our public discourse can be healed?

Common Ground Committee is about doing just that. A skeptic might say that this organization, while well-meaning, is just a “voice crying in the wilderness”. We would, respectfully, disagree. We believe that the level and intensity of polarization is so bad that the pendulum of public discourse is now starting to swing back toward civility and respect. Citizens like us and even some political leaders are deciding “enough already”.

In this Christian Science Monitor piece, “How to reunite America by disagreeing agreeably”, Ralph Benko examines the notion that polarization could be a prelude to a renewal of “From many, one.” We found it encouraging. We hope you do, too.

The Algorithms of Fear

The Algorithms of Fear recently published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review brings new and needed insight to the insidious tendency in today’s political landscape to maintain the division between people who hold different views and have different paradigms. As we learned when Facebook was accused of a politically left bias in its “trending” news section, the media world heavily relies on algorithms to address its audiences. Algorithms are pieces of computer software that follow sets of rules to make calculations or solve problems. They are very good at “automatically” delivering content and information that people’s past online activity suggests they want.

But in this emotionally-charged political climate that’s a problem. If we are to make any progress on the tough issues that face us what’s needed is for people to be exposed to the other side of issues, to understand the reasoning and supporting evidence for the other person’s position.

The solution? The article suggests that government regulation combined with additional tools armed with algorithms “with new kinds of social values” are needed. Those solutions could very well make a difference.

But when passionate about an issue we would encourage people to take advantage of today’s technology and diverse media outlets to expose themselves to the dynamics that drive the opposing view. It doesn’t take much time and it will better position people to be part of a solution rather than put more fuel on the fire of the problem.

Cranes, curlews, and cows — the delicate debate over Oregon’s federal lands

A PBS News Hour story about how ranchers, federal officials and environmental groups are coming together to deal with conflict over cattle grazing on public lands in Oregon. Earlier this year, the conflict made national headlines because of a military style standoff. Now the parties are listening to one another, respectfully, and making good progress to finding solution. Watch the program HERE.

Trump and Ryan Work to Find Common Ground

What a potentially great example of finding common ground. Donald Trump surprised the entire Republican elite by becoming the presumptive presidential candidate. His positions are changeable and many not aligned with conservative principals. Trump says the party is the Republican party, not the conservative party. Paul Ryan says he is not there in endorsing Trump. This has all the makings of a knock-down confrontation.

Instead, they are committed to seeking common ground to reach a goal; electing a Republican president and ensuring a successful down ticket win. At the end of their meeting, they both remarked that the meeting was good and helpful. The meeting was civil. Although they are not quite where they need to be, the process of civil discourse to reach a common goal is on display during this process. Will they find common ground? Not certain yet. Are they working a process to see if they can find common ground? Yes.

The Lugar Center’s Bipartisan Index

The Lugar Center, founded by former Senator Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) is a “platform for informed debate on global issues.” The Center recently published its Bipartisan Index which ranks each member of Congress on his or her ability to work with colleagues from across the aisle. The report uses bill sponsorship and co-sponsorship data rather than a subjective methodology.

Some will challenge the methodology because it does not account for the substance of a bills. It is far easier to co-sponsor with a colleague from the opposing party a bill that, say, honors veterans than one that proposes reforms to social security. Senator Lugar freely acknowledges this in his introduction to the report.

Even so, we believe the Bipartisan Index adds great value. It names names, effectively praising (and reinforcing the behavior of) those who practice bipartisanship and dinging those who don’t. In so doing, it raises awareness in a tangible way to the need for our leaders to improve their ability to govern, not just posture.

Conduct Unbecoming

We normally do not like to bring attention to situations where people get caught up in “negative politics” and consequently fail to achieve common ground. There are too many instances of this sort of thing going on every day. But this editorial in the April 9, 2016 Cape Cod Times captures some principles at the heart of Common Ground Committee’s work.

Both leaders and the public have responsibilities when it comes to political discourse. Leaders must serve as role models for the public in how to work through the tough issues. The public must not only recognize and appreciate the leaders who do so but also resist the temptation to get caught up in the rancor and hatred that feels good but ultimately serves to worsen the situation and make it harder to move forward.

The New Common Ground Between Populist Left and Right

In a unique video presentation, Robert Reich, a former Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton and Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the University of California at Berkeley, sees the emergence of a new debate where the populist left and right discover common ground on a number of critical issues and together can “make things happen”.

Fight the fear. Share hope.

Just how at risk are you and I of being victims of terrorism? Is ISIS truly gaining strength? For the answer, check out “Redirect”, a new initiative launched by our media partner, The Christian Science Monitor. Redirect is about fighting with facts the fear that would hold us back or lead to unwise action. It’s motto: “Change the conversation”. In so doing, Redirect aims to inspire hope and move us to a better, more positive mindset, one that will make it easier to finding lasting solutions to our biggest challenges.

Redirect is 100 percent aligned with the mission of Common Ground Committee to “bring light not heat to public discourse”. A primary principle of our work is “using facts, not emotionally-charged talking points” when debating and working on solutions to the problems of the day. Redirect demonstrates that principle in spades. It reminds us that fear is an obstacle that truth can remove. With fear gone, we can walk with assurance the path to progress.

We are very excited about Redirect and hope you will be, too. Check it out. Be inspired. Share it.