TIP TOE THROUGH THE MINEFIELD

 Tip Toe Through the Minefield 12/07/20-2/18/20
 Healing the polarization in the US and the world has to proceed one conversation at a time.  There is something you can do to reduce polarization and antipathy. 

 Take an enemy to lunch and leave with a friend.   
 Pick an acquaintance on the opposite side of the political abyss. Ask that person if they would be interested in having a civil conversation about politics. You might ask if they, too, were tired of being afraid to talk to other people. If they agree, show them the list below. If they are still interested, get together and give it a try. 

 How to avoid arguments and have a civil conversation.

1. Agree to this agenda up front.

2. Start with something you can agree on.

3. Acknowledge anything you can agree on.

4. Focus on defining problems.

5. Avoid assigning blame.

6. Avoid discussing solutions.

7. Try to really listen each other.

8. Anytime an argument starts agree to disagree and move on.  
 

 With practice, you may start expanding the rules to discuss solutions. 

  Most disagreements eventually come down to differences in priority. 

 Things you might be able to agree on:
Nobody wants too much taxation. Nobody wants too little.

 Nobody wants too much regulation. Nobody wants too little.

 Nobody wants too much government. Nobody wants too little.

 Nobody wants too much debt. Nobody wants too little.

 Nobody wants a society overly dependent on government support.
 
  Note: These mental reframings of a situation can help ease tensions. 

“Hmm, you sure aren't playing the same video game I am.” 

“If I believed what you believe, I would agree with you.”