I seldom agree with someone 100% but I do with Dave's Thanksgiving time thoughts! I'll add something at the bottom of this message that was my attempt to say much the same, although I tried to get more specific, perhaps too much so. Please consider what Dave has suggested.
THE ELECTIONS ARE OVER, THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!
Winners think they have a clear mandate while losers deny reality and thin
k the world will end.
Neither side is right, of course. But elections do have consequences.
If everyone who voted would take a deep breath and look around their community, they would see that there is a path to a better Minnesota, and it starts with them.
It starts with taking off the divisive campaign battle helmets to uncover their ears so they can listen carefully for nuggets of wisdom from the other side.
It means truly opening your mind and heart to better understand those you disagree with, rather than to continue fighting. Because in almost all cases both sides want fundamentally the same things: healthy families, children in good schools, safe and prosperous communities, and a fair shot to prove that hard work and good character can still result in success in Minnesota and countrywide.
There are many examples where people of all reasonable political persuasions can find common ground:
We believe government plays an important role in society but that it should be as efficient as possible.
Although some may grouse, we realize taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society, and that needed tax reform must focus on fairness and simplicity.
We can agree that our state budget is not structurally sound and that the political gimmicks and shifts of the last few years have only made things worse.
We understand that a lack of courage and candor has kept everyone from admitting the obvious - that fixing a debt problem can't be solved only with spending cuts or only with tax increases, and it likely will be a mix of both.
We can agree that many people in our country are having a hard time adapting to a fast-changing world.
We all believe in making smart and innovative investments to improve our schools while focussing on the economy of the future, rather than allowing social issues to be used to distract and divide us.
Elected officials from local city halls to the Capitol in St. Paul would be wise to abide by the Four-Way Test recited at every Lino Lakes Rotary Club meeting: "Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"
Imagine if our society stopped rewarding negative and mean-spirited campaigns and held our elected officials and each other to this simple four-way test.
Children on the playground seem to know something adults often forget: that what we say and how we act matters and has consequences in the real world.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, let's work to move beyond the fear that campaign season instills and remember that we all have plenty to be thankful for.
As a Lutheran committed to serving the community, I remain forever hopeful and optimistic that politics can indeed be about improving people's lives. Martin Luther said 500 years ago that God doesn't need our good works, but out neighbor does. And that is as true today as it was back then, and it will be true tomorrow.
So whether you think you "won" or "lost" on Election Day, please commit on Thanksgiving Day to try a little harder to listen to those you disagree with, to show a little more civility in your discussions, and to look for opportunities to work together so that we can solve real problems and make a better future for our children.
Dave Bartholomay
Mayor of Circle Pines, MN
1. Republicans and Democrats can agree to disagree, without being disagreeable.
2. Democrats and Republicans can agree that the middle class should not bear the primary burd
Neither side is right, of course. But elections do have consequences.
If everyone who voted would take a deep breath and look around their community, they would see that there is a path to a better Minnesota, and it starts with them.
It starts with taking off the divisive campaign battle helmets to uncover their ears so they can listen carefully for nuggets of wisdom from the other side.
It means truly opening your mind and heart to better understand those you disagree with, rather than to continue fighting. Because in almost all cases both sides want fundamentally the same things: healthy families, children in good schools, safe and prosperous communities, and a fair shot to prove that hard work and good character can still result in success in Minnesota and countrywide.
There are many examples where people of all reasonable political persuasions can find common ground:
We believe government plays an important role in society but that it should be as efficient as possible.
Although some may grouse, we realize taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society, and that needed tax reform must focus on fairness and simplicity.
We can agree that our state budget is not structurally sound and that the political gimmicks and shifts of the last few years have only made things worse.
We understand that a lack of courage and candor has kept everyone from admitting the obvious - that fixing a debt problem can't be solved only with spending cuts or only with tax increases, and it likely will be a mix of both.
We can agree that many people in our country are having a hard time adapting to a fast-changing world.
We all believe in making smart and innovative investments to improve our schools while focussing on the economy of the future, rather than allowing social issues to be used to distract and divide us.
Elected officials from local city halls to the Capitol in St. Paul would be wise to abide by the Four-Way Test recited at every Lino Lakes Rotary Club meeting: "Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"
Imagine if our society stopped rewarding negative and mean-spirited campaigns and held our elected officials and each other to this simple four-way test.
Children on the playground seem to know something adults often forget: that what we say and how we act matters and has consequences in the real world.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, let's work to move beyond the fear that campaign season instills and remember that we all have plenty to be thankful for.
As a Lutheran committed to serving the community, I remain forever hopeful and optimistic that politics can indeed be about improving people's lives. Martin Luther said 500 years ago that God doesn't need our good works, but out neighbor does. And that is as true today as it was back then, and it will be true tomorrow.
So whether you think you "won" or "lost" on Election Day, please commit on Thanksgiving Day to try a little harder to listen to those you disagree with, to show a little more civility in your discussions, and to look for opportunities to work together so that we can solve real problems and make a better future for our children.
Dave Bartholomay
Mayor of Circle Pines, MN
Not all issues even require compromise although that may still be necessary to get problems solved on other issues.
There are many issues that our government will work best if our politicians will work together.
There are many issues that Democrats and Republicans can agree on.
The following issues do not require any compromise! I believe there is common agreement that:
1. Republicans and Democrats can agree to disagree, without being disagreeable.
2. Democrats and Republicans can agree that the middle class should not bear the primary burd
en for decreasing the federal debt. The middle class tax cuts should be continued, as there is mutual agreement to keeping those breaks in place.
3. Republicans and Democrats can agree that end of life decisions are best made by those most directly involved. Billions of dollars could be saved if we merely told those we love what we want for ourselves once that decision needs to be made and before that decision must be made.
You can get a free living will directive for your state at: http://www.doyourownwill.com/living-will/states.html
Here is another, more general, living will document that you could download:
http://www.coalitionccc.org/documents/AD_Form_and_Instr.pdf
4. Democrats and Republicans can agree to work together to bring the number of abortions lower and lower, to as close to zero as possible. We should do everything to keep that decision as close to the woman and her doctor as possible and as safe as possible. Most agree that abortions may be necessary in cases of rape and incest. Adoption should be encouraged.
5. Republicans and Democrats can agree that when we do use high sulfur oil and coal, we do so as safely as possible. No one wants anyone to leave behind scars and dumps that will be harmful to our children, and their children, for future years.
6. Democrats and Republicans agree that the The Affordable Healthcare Act is the law of the land. It was already a compromise between the single payer system that President Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton first proposed and the private insurance mandate that was preferred by Republican think tanks, such as The Heritage Foundation, was supported by leading Republican legislators, such as Newt Gingrich, and initiated statewide by Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney.
7. Republican and Democrats agree that Medicare should remain in place, as it is, for those 55 and older.
8. Democrats and Republicans have supported elements of the Dream Act. Those parts that they are in agree on, should be passed.
9. Republicans and Democrats, Mitt Romney and President Obama pledged, during their debates, their support for maintaining, and possibly increasing, direct financial student aid (loans/grants/debt relief) for those student attending school beyond their senior year in high school.
10. Democrats and Republicans can agree that if the Kestone XL Pipeline is to be built, that the highest of measures of care must be taken to avoid contaminating drinking water supplies, and to be fully prepared in case of a pipeline break.
11. Republicans and Democrats can also agree to compromise on those other areas that they are not already in agreement with.
Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.
Abraham Lincoln
But just as they did in Philadelphia when they were writing the constitution, sooner or later, you've got to compromise. You've got to start making the compromises that arrive at a consensus and move the country forward.
Colin Powell
3. Republicans and Democrats can agree that end of life decisions are best made by those most directly involved. Billions of dollars could be saved if we merely told those we love what we want for ourselves once that decision needs to be made and before that decision must be made.
You can get a free living will directive for your state at: http://www.doyourownwill.com/living-will/states.html
Here is another, more general, living will document that you could download:
http://www.coalitionccc.org/documents/AD_Form_and_Instr.pdf
4. Democrats and Republicans can agree to work together to bring the number of abortions lower and lower, to as close to zero as possible. We should do everything to keep that decision as close to the woman and her doctor as possible and as safe as possible. Most agree that abortions may be necessary in cases of rape and incest. Adoption should be encouraged.
5. Republicans and Democrats can agree that when we do use high sulfur oil and coal, we do so as safely as possible. No one wants anyone to leave behind scars and dumps that will be harmful to our children, and their children, for future years.
6. Democrats and Republicans agree that the The Affordable Healthcare Act is the law of the land. It was already a compromise between the single payer system that President Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton first proposed and the private insurance mandate that was preferred by Republican think tanks, such as The Heritage Foundation, was supported by leading Republican legislators, such as Newt Gingrich, and initiated statewide by Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney.
7. Republican and Democrats agree that Medicare should remain in place, as it is, for those 55 and older.
8. Democrats and Republicans have supported elements of the Dream Act. Those parts that they are in agree on, should be passed.
9. Republicans and Democrats, Mitt Romney and President Obama pledged, during their debates, their support for maintaining, and possibly increasing, direct financial student aid (loans/grants/debt relief) for those student attending school beyond their senior year in high school.
10. Democrats and Republicans can agree that if the Kestone XL Pipeline is to be built, that the highest of measures of care must be taken to avoid contaminating drinking water supplies, and to be fully prepared in case of a pipeline break.
11. Republicans and Democrats can also agree to compromise on those other areas that they are not already in agreement with.
Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.
Abraham Lincoln
But just as they did in Philadelphia when they were writing the constitution, sooner or later, you've got to compromise. You've got to start making the compromises that arrive at a consensus and move the country forward.
Colin Powell
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