Troubled by the corrosive conflict stirred up by the election, I have written a series of posts about how we might move forward constructively, particularly on the personal (as distinct from the political) level.  I think that political progress may depend, in part, on breaking down barriers of misunderstanding and fear between groups in our … Continue reading Building Common Ground Between Bubbles – Part 4 →

With renewed attention to Cuba due to the death of Fidel Castro, you might want to revisit posts about Cuba from my trip and Andrea’s trip in 2014 and 2016 respectively. In keeping with my effort to understand situations from multiple perspectives, my Cuba Diaries includes opposing narratives of the Cuban Revolution.  I read about … Continue reading Cuba Revisited →

Another message from the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation: The holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving this week, is a time of sharing and gathering, of getting together with family and friends. Usually a wonderful time of the year, it can also be a season of discord, especially as political topics may be common in the weeks … Continue reading Tips for Better Thanksgiving Conversations →

I want to add several things to my post about finding common ground between “bubbles.” In 2008, then-Senator Obama gave his “More Perfect Union” speech in the wake of the Jeremiah Wright controversy.  Reverend Wright had been Senator Obama’s pastor and made some inflammatory statements that caused a major controversy for Obama’s presidential campaign.  In … Continue reading Building Common Ground Between Bubbles – Part 3 →

This morning, I posted How Can We Build Common Ground Between Bubbles?  (Thanks for your kind words, Jen.) This afternoon, I got the following email from the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation, which addresses my post:   The Presidential election and the week following has brought the deep divides in this nation to a head, … Continue reading How Can We Build Common Ground? – Part 2 →