Who needs to be the better person first? How long before we start doing the right thing even though the other person isn't? The thing I'm tired of the most in politics is when one party does something that the other party disagrees with, then when roles are reversed, both parties take the opposite view.
Without getting into specifics and just making up something fictional for illustration purposes, let's say a republican congressman wore blackface a long time ago. Democrats would be calling for his head and republicans would be saying it's not a big deal because it was a long time ago and they've changed. Flip the script and a democrat wore blackface or a KKK hood and you get the democrats defending him and the republicans calling for removal.
Inevitably both will be saying "well when their person did it it was okay, so why is it wrong now?" This is because ALL THEY WANT IS POWER. Morals and ethics aren't the top priority for career politicians. They say what they need to say to get elected then do what they need to do to get elected again. The same goes for other members of their party. They'll do and say what they need to say to keep their friends in power too.
I can't remember the last time we had a politician that voted on a policy based on principle and not party. There were a couple of instances when a democrat voted to not impeach Trump the first time around and there were some republicans voting to impeach Trump the second time. Although, you could argue these were strictly for optics as they knew what the end result would be and their consituents wouldn't like it had they voted the other way. So, again, it's about being in power.
So how do we fix this? TERM LIMITS. Like the presidency, limit any congressional position to two terms. This way you won't be getting people in office only concerned about getting and keeping a job. They'll know that political cash cow won't be around that long and, hopefully, we'll have people of real principle filling those seats.
Who am I kidding, knowing humanity, they'll figure out some way to exploit that too. I can hope though. Just like I hope to win the lottery some day. It's a pipe dream.
But for now, be the better man. Do what Michelle said and when they go low you go high. Yeah, it sucks because it seems like you're being weak, but you're not.
Good faith isn't just an attitude; it's a series of actions. It’s the commitment to a shared process, even when the topic is difficult. Here are the core traits to look for and to cultivate in yourself.
1. Intellectual Humility
This is the foundation of all productive conversations. It’s the understanding that your own perspective is incomplete and that you might be wrong. A person with intellectual humility isn't afraid to be proven wrong; they welcome it as an opportunity to learn.
What it sounds like:
"Based on my understanding... but I could be missing something."
"That's a good point. I hadn't considered it from that angle."
"Help me understand what led you to that conclusion."
Why it matters: It turns a confrontation into a collaboration. Instead of two certainties clashing, it becomes a mutual exploration of a topic.
2. The Principle of Charity
This is the commitment to interpreting the other person's argument in its strongest, most persuasive form. Instead of looking for flaws and attacking the ...
The worn leather of the armchair creaked a familiar protest as Michael settled in. Across from him, on the edge of the old sofa, sat David, a man whose face was as familiar as his own reflection, etched with thirty years of shared laughter, quiet commiserations, and unspoken understandings. But tonight, there was a tension in the air, a subtle crack in the foundation of their long-standing ease.
"Thanks for coming over, Dave," Michael began, his voice softer than usual. "There's… something we need to talk about. It feels like there's been a growing misunderstanding, and it's been weighing on me."
David nodded slowly, his gaze steady. "I'm listening, Mike."
Michael took a breath. "I've heard things, felt a distance. And it seems like you, and maybe others, have a picture of me that isn't true. Like I'm… someone I'm not. And I need to set the record straight."
He leaned forward, choosing his words carefully. "I want trans people to have the same freedom and rights as any non-trans person. I want ...
10 rules for a productive discussion about controversial topics.
1. The Prime Directive: Argue in Good Faith This is the foundational rule. Both parties must enter the conversation with the genuine intention of exploring the truth, not simply to "win," embarrass, or provoke. Assume the other person is also operating under this principle until proven otherwise.
2. Intellectual Humility: Be Willing to Be Wrong Enter the discussion with the understanding that your current position could be flawed or incomplete. The goal is to refine your own views through challenge, not just defend them at all costs. Acknowledge valid points made by the other person.
3. The Principle of Charity: "Steel Man" Their Argument, Don't "Straw Man" It Instead of misrepresenting your opponent's position to make it easier to attack (a "straw man" ), do the opposite. Articulate the strongest, most persuasive version of their argument you can, and then respond to that. If you're unsure, ask, "So, if I understand you correctly, you're saying ...
