The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set news policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com.
Kate Sarton of Casco is a global creative coordinator, writer and facilitator.
Draw the line in the sand. Whose side are you on? Pick a team and defend it to the end. To me, this is what politics has diminished to over the years. Instead of true explorations into possibilities, catchy slogans are tossed at each other like daggers or worn as an emblem of proof of some greater purpose.
There seems to have been an addiction to this oversimplified way of engagement, as if we’re rooting for sports teams and not actually trying to collaborate and create something greater together. And, in that addiction resides an amnesia to the fact that we are all here, together. That what we require is to actually listen and engage with each other.
The issues we face as a country, as local communities, and as a global population, cannot be fully addressed with slogans. There are nuances and dynamics so fascinating it takes incredible compassion and critical thinking.
When we actually dive in and get to know someone, we quickly learn that they cannot be forced into a box or be defined by a political party, regardless of what box is checked on their voter registration card. We are so much more interesting than that. And, honestly, I think deep down we know this. We have been asking for something different for so long. And, many times we thought, or rather, hoped, that we were getting it.
A shift is happening. To me, the incredible grassroots movement that Robert Kennedy Jr. has stirred is an expression of this. I followed his environmental work for years before he announced his candidacy for president. And, since he chose to run, I have had some of the most incredible conversations with people.
A new space has opened for people to share their experiences, ask questions, be heard, and to listen to others. I realize he may not be for everyone, and I would never try to convince anyone of it. You have to choose things that are congruent for you. But, I will say this: If you are curious what it looks like to have compassionate conversations around tough topics, I highly recommend you listen to an interview or podcast.
He doesn’t jab or cut down opponents, even when he doesn’t agree with them. He simply outlines the facts of a situation and how he would choose to navigate it. As he has stepped onto the stage, it has invited others to do that same — to lead with compassion and curiosity and to work together rather than tear each other down.
Regardless of whether you agree with his views, I think you might see the glimmer of a possibility: politics beyond polarity.