I. Introduction

Two people hover over a man in cardiac arrest.  Divided about how to administer the CPR, they squabble as the victim fades away.  Like these two “helpers”, the people of our nation are divided politically.  As our Republic fades way, I acknowledge what makes this tragedy so Shakespearean: when it comes to what should be legislated in Washington, I believe the overwhelming majority of us are actually in agreement.  Yet, we remain divided at great cost. 

Experience has shown me that the source of our political division is not so much ideology, but rather methodology; it’s not what we think, but how we communicate those thoughts to each other that undermines our ability to foster unity.  What we need are the skills to have productive political conversations. 

A "productive political discussion" is a conversation in which all parties involved acquire a much deeper understanding of their opposition’s point of view, and also of their own.  As the conversation becomes productive, we begin to see the points at which our value systems converge, and division yields to unity as it must.

My discovery of how to have a productive political discussion was very Thomas Edison-esque: I first succeeded in finding ten-thousand ways that would not work (just ask some of my friends). Through countless trials and copious errors, I am left with something I think just might be of value to you.

To my friends at all points on the political spectrum, this blog serves to outline the method of communication that enables a productive political discussion, whereby we can readily find those points at which our individual value systems converge.  These points of moral convergence establish, indeed define, our United Front – the genesis of our strength and of our solidarity. When our nation’s laws reflect this, it will be to the satisfaction of all, both the majority and the minority.  Please follow my blog to find out how and why.