Political leaders have not served nation well by allowing divide to happen

It has been awhile since I wrote something to be included as an op-ed. One of the reasons for this delay has been my processing the happenings of 2024. While the September floods from Helene wer life changing for many of us, there were other events to ponder. One such event was the November presidential election. I have previously stated that this election did not turn out as I had hoped. I am a long proponent of inclusion and the American people chose a government of exclusion.

We are a deeply divided nation. Some people use the terms ‘red’ and ‘blue’ to describe our division. I choose to see our differences in a somewhat different way. Our government went from one of inclusion to one of exclusion. I have found this deeply troubling and have spent considerable time trying to sort this out.

While I might take the position that our government was founded upon the principles of all people being of equal value, others might take the position that this country was built upon strong people who were determined to make this nation a dominant force on this continent, this hemisphere, and in the world at large. Frankly, I do not know if this represents the issues that divides us or not. I simply know that we are divided.

Regardless of the issue, I might argue that my point of view is the correct point of view while at the same time those with opposing opinions might do the same. No one wins that argument. Our capacity to listen to others has reached the breaking point and I fear civil conflict may be the outcome. If we cannot necessarily shift our thinking maybe the best approach is to better understand what drives the thinking of those who are in opposition.

This country was founded, in part, upon the freedom of conflicting ideas. Conflicting ideas were in play when the Declaration of Independence was written as well as when the Constitution was crafted. James Madison’s Bill of Rights places protections upon the citizenry’s right to disagree. Lin-Manual Miranda dramatically highlighted the disagreements between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson in his play “Hamilton,” although I think he exaggerated the drama of the conflict for the effects on stage and not necessarily for portraying an actual account of history. Nonetheless, there were serious disagreements between these two historical figures but their competing ideas established a strong foundation for a developing nation.

Our disagreements should not serve to divide us. Our political leaders have allowed this to happen and, in doing so, they have not served this nation well. They have actually done damage to who we are as a united people. So where do we go from here? I believe that we must learn to listen to one and another. It is my obligation to not judge but to listen. This might be difficult to do, given our chosen paths of thought. How do I listen without judging, particularly when my beliefs are profound.

Each and every one of us are entitled to our opinions. The U.S. Constitution gives us this right. I am obligated to acknowledge an individual’s right to have beliefs different from mine. With that said, individuals have the right to defend their position. If others are to have an honest opportunity to defend their thoughts on a particular topic, it is essential for others to listen. To listen does not necessarily mean agree. Honest listening requires one to hear what is driving a thought and not necessarily develop arguments on why that way of thinking is wrong. However, listening is reciprocal. If I choose to listen then I have the right to ask others to grant me the same respect. Once we have crossed the line of judgment we might as well forget the conversation altogether.

It is not our agreement that is essential, it is our unity. The First Amendment of the Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press: or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” That pretty much says it all.

More: Opinion: I am convinced that the American voter rejected inclusion in favor of exclusion

More: Opinion: Presidential election makes us ask ‘What kind of nation do we wish to be?’

Lee Sease lives in Burnsville. He is a former Superintendent of Schools in Middlebury, Vermont.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Opinion: America has become divided; unity more important than agreement