By Scott Cook
January 27, 2021
For me, the scenes at the Capitol on January 6 indicated that growing divisiveness in this country had reached a climax. Yes, perhaps it could get worse. But, I had an empty feeling that we’ve reached a point we cannot turn back from. The rage continued online. And while not physically violent, the divide grew, even in our own community. At one point I read a conversation where, at the end of it, two friends ended their decades long friendship. The surprising thing is that both of these individuals have very similar political beliefs.
In a government for the people and by the people, I believe we are the last line of defense in the preservation of democracy. There will always be politicians that fail us. We will always uncover an unjust system or bureaucracy. But these can be held accountable by a well informed electorate. However, I am afraid we’ve become too comfortable with the thought that everything will be alright if my side wins, and wins it all. That just isn’t true. No one side has all the answers. That’s why democracy works, because there is a marketplace of ideas. Usually, the best ideas win.
When I say we’ve reached a point we can’t turn back from, I hope that instead of doom we realize, as individuals, that we haven’t been treating our democracy the way it deserves to be treated. We have self-censored ourselves and others. We’ve become passive listeners to the news, tuning into sources that support our beliefs and never questioning or asking others about different perspectives or thoughts they may possess. That’s uncomfortable, so we choose to reinforce our thoughts by sticking with those that agree with us. Let’s admit it, we also give our egos a little boost by confirming that we are right and the other person is wrong.
In our country, we value diversity. Not every country values it the way we do. Diversity isn’t just about ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientations, however. It’s about the diversity of thought that all those differences, and others, create. True debate and dialogue are sorely missing in our society today. We prefer to respond to something we don’t like with an “online mic drop” in the form of a clever meme to silence our critics and simply walk away.
Social media platforms are powerful tools, but rarely do they help us engage in true dialogue. I have my doubts about whether anyone can even win an online argument. I haven’t seen it happen yet. So, I think it’s time that we each understand our responsibility as members of this great democratic republic, and take responsibility for the actions of last summer and then recently at the Capitol. Obviously, there is a great divide in our country. Some of our fellow citizens feel unheard, oppressed or without hope. It’s easy to point a finger, it’s harder to take personal responsibility and ask yourself, have I done everything I can to help heal the wounds?
Our new President has encouraged unity. Unity is a nice sounding word that can give us hope, but unity is hard work. I encourage you to ask your neighbor, friend, family member- anyone you know with differing views, to have coffee or lunch, or a Zoom call. Ask them hard questions and let them ask hard questions of you. Try to listen more than talk. I did this a couple weeks ago with a friend and when we were done, we both thanked each other for our honesty. I left worrying less about whether I was right than appreciating the fact that my friend loves this country as much as I do.
What does all have to do with business in Longmont? Well, actually a lot. We have a lot of work to do to rebuild after COVID. It’s going to take everyone and we can’t do it as a divided community. Let’s be an example to the rest of our great country by showing that diversity of thoughts and ideas are shared and respected here. May the best ideas win here. Let’s make our community the best it can be for all of us. It’s my responsibility. It’s your responsibility. It’s democracy at work.
