A 2021 American Idea: Listening better

Good riddance to 2020.  And in case there’s any interest in new year’s resolutions, here’s the essence of a conversation I overheard between two people who were strangers to me but whose exchange I appreciated. 

First person:  Looking forward to 2021?

Second person:  Looking forward to sitting at a bar having a beer and a burger; to hugging my grandkids and rooting for the Nationals on opening day. 

First person:  Me?  I’m looking forward to less talk about how divided the country is. 

Second person:  But the country is divided.

First person:  Yes, but ordinary Americans have a lot in common.

Second person:  Doesn’t seem so.

First person:  Look, who doesn’t want better roads, good teachers and enough doctors?  We all want fair taxes, cheaper drugs and decent wages.  Everyone wants to be safe. 

Second person:  True, but the politicians…

First person:  Don’t talk to me about politics; it exhausts me.

Second person:  But…

First person.  No buts.  I’m ready to reconnect with people I disagree with, to listen to them rather than to the talking heads.  Showing respect.  Finding common ground.      

Second person:  C’mon!  You really think that’s going to accomplish anything?  That there’s something you can do that will make a difference?   

First person:  That’s my 2021 question.  “What can I do?”

I couldn’t hear the rest of the conversation, but I was left thinking that the first person was onto something.  No matter where or when we were born or if and how we pray or vote, listening better for common ground is a valuable idea for Americans in 2021.