Finding common ground isn't about 'being nice' or losing values. It's about understanding.
Letters edited for clarity and style:
As co-founders of an organization focused on the state of our political discourse, we are not surprised by the results of the newly-released USA TODAY/Public Agenda/Ipsos poll published in "America is dangerously divided. USA TODAY and partners launch 'Hidden Common Ground' to find solutions." Common ground can certainly be found between Republicans and Democrats — but first, we need to dispel a common myth.
One of the most consistent critiques we hear is that finding common ground means “being nice” at the expense of one’s values. The real point of common ground is not to force-feed agreement on a particular issue — it’s about a conversation that leads to understanding each other.
Before Thanksgiving, we released the 10 attributes of what we call common grounders. One of those attributes is to listen and learn from personal experiences. This is the essence of the common ground movement. When we brought Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Susan Rice on stage for an event recently, the audience was inspired by just how much they found agreement despite their different backgrounds.
The value of common ground is not just the outcome. It’s also the journey that ultimately enables understanding and harmony. This is the kind of peace and goodwill that is the heart of the holiday season. This year, instead of refusing to engage with those we deem “evil,” perhaps we can listen to understand their perspectives, and then we can explain ours.
You’ll be surprised at what might come from that.
Bruce Bond and Erik Olsen
Co-founders, Common Ground Committee
Wilton, Conn.
Common ground should begin at the top! If President Donald Trump cannot respect and embrace both sides of the aisle, how can the American people do so? USA TODAY rightly analyzes national sentiments and proposes reasonable approaches, but never directs any responsibility to the commander in chief, who sets a tone in our nation!
Donna Kurkul; Hadley, Mass.
Finally! It's great to see the news media having a conversation about the need for, and a process to achieve, a productive Washington.
I am really surprised that the research didn’t mention a couple of major ways we can bridge the divide:
Term limits in Congress — this is absolutely essential so that our elected lawmakers understand their role is to take bi-partisan action.
Voters providing feedback to our elected officials — we must let Congress know they need to take action on key issues including immigration reform, gun legislation, tax reform, gerrymandering. Our failure to insist our elected officials act has been a major contributor to why past presidents have resorted to presidential orders. If Congress had to work on key issues, they would have to vote — and explain themselves to the people they represent.
The story "Divided we fall? Americans see our angry political debate as 'a big problem,'" mentions the need for a third party. That’s essential. There are a lot of “normal” people out there who don’t get a voice because they don’t agree with either party.
I’m really keen to see how the Hidden Common Ground initiative continues to roll forward. We’ve got to get this fixed — and our current group of elected officials are more focused on Party over People.
Mike Bach; Livingston, Texas
Comments from Hidden Common Ground platform talk.usatoday.com edited for clarity and style:
How can "divisiveness" in America be reduced or eliminated when it seems we are constantly being pigeonholed into groups that, by design, encourage that divide? Political affiliation, cultural identity, citizenship status, class, gender and sexual identification, religious affiliation, age — even which sports and teams we support. America used to be a melting pot where aspects of all people became part of the fabric of Americanism. It now seems like we’re becoming a country of mandated boxes, in which people must reside. Perhaps a start for ending divisiveness might be to end the practice of forcing people to identify others by their box and just acknowledge each other as American.
mikesms
I’d have a tough time voting for anyone who admitted to being a Republican. What’s the point of a party affiliation if a candidate doesn’t adopt the party’s positions? That’s what I’d expect even if the candidate didn’t admit it.
Jack
I would welcome a dinner with an individual who has political beliefs that are different from mine.
This is a great way for people to put a face on their political opponents, and see that we are more alike and basically want the same outcomes. It would be a welcome relief to discuss issues over dinner, without all the biased, negative, untrue garbage we are bombarded with lately, from both sides.
You can order for me.
johnspa
Not everyone is as political as the news media would have us believe. Politics are rarely ever discussed in our family or at friendly gatherings. If it is ever brought up, each person’s opinion is usually handled with respect and a quick change of subject.
As a conservative independent, living with a life-long liberal democrat, we have learned that although we do not always agree with each other, we can respect each other’s thoughts and ideas (something our politicians need to embrace, don’t you think?).
Rori
The Hidden Common Ground project is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Charles Koch Foundation, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. The Kettering Foundation serves as a research partner to the Hidden Common Ground initiative.
To voice your view, visit talk.usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Don't need to be 'nice,' lose values to find common ground: Readers
