A lost political skill found in the lyrics of a Willie Nelson-Bob Dylan song. Also: Thoughts on Arab American voters, Trump protests, and trans athletes.
I woke this morning reflecting on your heartfelt column, Empathy in the Heartland, and how profoundly it speaks to the role of empathy in our deeply divided political landscape. More than just a guiding principle, empathy should be the very foundation of our moral compass—the force that allows us to truly see one another, to listen with an open heart, and to build bridges where walls now stand.
In politics, as in life, this is no easy path. The road toward greater understanding is long, often frustrating, and at times seems impossible. But every small step toward kindness, every moment of genuine connection, brings us closer to a world where we don’t just tolerate our differences—we embrace them. We may never fully arrive at that destination, but the journey itself is worth every effort.
Thank you, Ron. While we may sometimes find ourselves on different sides of the fulcrum, there is always common ground to be found.
I’m not sympathetic towards the Arab American voters. By voting uncommitted they had a strong message, elect Donald Trump. With his ideas on Gaza we see how much of a conversation the Administration was willing to have after being sworn in, zero.
Could the Dems have done better? Yes, but what are your suggestions?
The current government in Israel isn’t going to change and US voters seem fine with that. I’m not, but to condemn the actions of the Israeli government is too risky because you’ll be damned as Anti-Semitic even if you’re not religious.
Many people are still blaming the voters instead of the Democrats. And in some circles, if the issue of the Democrats poor leadership and performance is brought up, the word "stupid" get thrown around with a lot of blame for the individual. Where is this vitriol for the party who refuses to listen to or do anything for the people whose votes they want?
Really, when had the policy of "No we aren't listening to or doung anything for you, but that other guy is bad. Vote for me or else. Then shut up."
We are to blame for the Democratic party being run by elitist and out of touch millionaires and billionaires? Please.
I woke this morning reflecting on your heartfelt column, Empathy in the Heartland, and how profoundly it speaks to the role of empathy in our deeply divided political landscape. More than just a guiding principle, empathy should be the very foundation of our moral compass—the force that allows us to truly see one another, to listen with an open heart, and to build bridges where walls now stand.
In politics, as in life, this is no easy path. The road toward greater understanding is long, often frustrating, and at times seems impossible. But every small step toward kindness, every moment of genuine connection, brings us closer to a world where we don’t just tolerate our differences—we embrace them. We may never fully arrive at that destination, but the journey itself is worth every effort.
Thank you, Ron. While we may sometimes find ourselves on different sides of the fulcrum, there is always common ground to be found.
Amen, Bob. Amen
I’m not sympathetic towards the Arab American voters. By voting uncommitted they had a strong message, elect Donald Trump. With his ideas on Gaza we see how much of a conversation the Administration was willing to have after being sworn in, zero.
Could the Dems have done better? Yes, but what are your suggestions?
The current government in Israel isn’t going to change and US voters seem fine with that. I’m not, but to condemn the actions of the Israeli government is too risky because you’ll be damned as Anti-Semitic even if you’re not religious.
Understood. Empathy is not the same as sympathy.
I can find room in my heart for grace and empathy toward a people forced to choose between, what is to them, two evils.
Yes, I am empathetic, and you make an excellent point by pointing out the differences between the two.
I still don’t support the majority of actions Israel took. All the parties seem to lock themselves into a doom cycle on a regular basis.
Many people are still blaming the voters instead of the Democrats. And in some circles, if the issue of the Democrats poor leadership and performance is brought up, the word "stupid" get thrown around with a lot of blame for the individual. Where is this vitriol for the party who refuses to listen to or do anything for the people whose votes they want?
Really, when had the policy of "No we aren't listening to or doung anything for you, but that other guy is bad. Vote for me or else. Then shut up."
We are to blame for the Democratic party being run by elitist and out of touch millionaires and billionaires? Please.