Listen to the Racists!

Why We Need to Listen to Racists: How To Do Politics Without Preaching

There are kernels of truth in this article. I certainly see that. I believe we should absolutely listen to the “other side” in whatever we are discussing, from whichever side. It’s the basis of coming to a mutual understanding, and ultimately, compromise.

But…
I’ll let one of my favorite Twitter-ers sum it up for me (from a series of tweets):

This is called trying and failing. I get that the author is encouraging us to be open and magnanimous in this time, but some positions (IMO) are binary: racism is one. I simply do not understand why I (or anyone) needs to recalibrate my politics to acknowledge racists. Fuck all that.

Part of what’s so bothersome with these conciliatory POVs is that the views the other side literally debase the HUMANITY of others, disavow that their ability, intelligence, morals, character simply by virtue of skin color. Without that basic acknowledgement, no dialog is possible.

I cannot agree more.

10 Letters

On the morning of one of the most bitter and divisive Presidential elections in history, it’s nice to be reminded of the good things that surround the Presidency.

I don’t know if all presidents do this or if it was specifically instituted by President Obama, but did you know that he requests 10 letters to read everyday (that he’s in Washington) before bed? (I learned this on the latest episode of 99% Invisible, pictured above.) That’s 10 letters potentially from everyday people telling them about their fears, their joys, their frustrations, and their sadness.

I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but that gives me at least a little hope heading into this historic day.