EDITORIAL

Over the past couple of weeks, the Wednesday Wonk has talked about the problems our country is facing and the deep divisions among many of us. In this editorial, let me suggest a way forward: Empathy. Let the Wonk explain.

• Dictionary.com defines the word ‘Empathy’ as follows: “the psychological identification with or vicarious experiencing the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.” On the surface, this is very simple. It means listening—really listening—to someone else’s feelings.
• Let’s look at something which recently happened. A few weeks ago, the Republican National Committee (RNC) declared what happened on January the 6th “legitimate political discourse”. This was a controversial stance, and even some within the Republican Party questioned this position. Soon after, the RNC followed up with a statement that condemned the horrific violence of that day. Politico reports that RNC chair Ronna McDaniel, that the phrase ‘legitimate political discourse’ referred to “a set of nonviolent GOP activists with close ties to the national party.”
• Before I go further, I must confess that this is very difficult for the Wonk. I spent most of my career promoting legitimate political discourse. Legitimate political discourse involves going to hearings, meeting with Members of Congress, writing letters, etc. The violence which occurred on that day was not political discourse. It was the horrific desecration of our Nation’s Capital and all that it stands for.
• Nevertheless, does the RNC have a point? Personally, I believe President Biden won the election fair and square. Certifying the 2020 election is all that should have taken place. Yet many Americans feel cheated, or worse, they feel that their concerns have gone unheard. All of us have felt unheard in our lives—be it from parents, friends, or colleagues. Empathy requires that I hear the opposite side—and allow them their thoughts and ideas. Must I agree? Nope. Still, I must listen and learn.
• Studious readers will note that for the purposes of this editorial—I’ve avoided any discussion of the January the 6th Commission which is currently doing a detailed investigation into the events of that day. This Commission—which is fraught with problems of its own—may be the topic for another day. Suffice it to say that the Commission–although doing valuable work—is lopsided. Newsflash: this will not promote empathy.
• Giving each other empathetic understanding is—first and foremost—hard work. It takes time to listen, to consider the other side, to take the time to really think about the issues. Most importantly, it means that we all become a bit more objective and circumspect. Perhaps then, each of us—Republicans and Democrats alike—can roll up our sleeves and begin the difficult task of governing these United States.

That’s it for this week. Stay happy and healthy. Please let me hear from you.

Happy reading!