Regardless of our political variations, we should pay attention to one another

We’re a bipartisan staff of political pollsters with a brand new yr’s decision for all of us: Deal with everybody with respect, no matter political views.

Lately, we’ve turned our consideration to the problem of civility, taking an in depth take a look at the sentiments of the voters because it pertains to the division between Republicans and Democrats.

As we ponder the adjustments we decide to within the new yr, we want to recommend a unique method to participating with your mates and family: Be open-minded, be sincere, and be respectful. 

One motive we now have at all times been capable of pay attention to 1 one other with respect whereas usually holding differing viewpoints is that we’re capable of finding frequent floor. Celinda is a Democrat and I’m a Republican, however we respect each other and we’re sincere with one another. 

We have now carried out polls collectively for nearly three a long time, working to find out how voters really feel about essentially the most urgent problems with the day. Time after time, we discover nuggets of hope, and with each new ballot, we acquire new perception. In our most recent poll, carried out throughout November 2022, 68% of voters polled after the 2022 midterms want a politician prepared to work to get issues completed, even when it typically compromises their values. If nothing else, this reveals optimism for America’s future. 

What lesson ought to we take away as we enter a brand new yr? We have to respect the worth of coming collectively and acknowledge the misconceptions that stand in the best way. To realize new objectives and aims, we should search compromises with our pals and colleagues, even when we’re compelled to sacrifice one thing beneficial.

We should study from each other and share concepts to make this world a greater place. When your relative or buddy kicks off a dialog on the dinner desk, sit again and pay attention. Hearken to what they need to say and discover locations the place you may agree with each other. You don’t need to agree with every part they are saying however search for frequent floor and be respectful. 

One of many causes we co-authored “A Query of Respect: Bringing Us Collectively in a Deeply Divided Nation,” is to make clear the necessity for Individuals to come back collectively. If we actually imagine we’re going to clear up essentially the most urgent issues dealing with our nation, the world, and humanity, then the established order just isn’t sustainable. As a society, we should discover a strategy to heal our nation. 

Let’s start by reflecting on the adjustments which have been made to date to assist transfer our nation in the fitting route, and make a decision to deal with others with respect in 2023.

Ed Goeas, companion, Tarrance Group
Celinda Lake, president, Lake Analysis Companions

Biden, Ford and labeled paperwork

With the latest discovery of labeled paperwork from President Joe Biden’s position as vice chairman, the Biden response is far completely different than the response by Donald Trump in relation to the invention of labeled paperwork in his possession. Biden has cooperated and turned over the supplies, whereas Trump claims they’re his private possession and that he declassified them through a thought course of.

However all this recollects American historical past when Gerald Ford printed his 1965 ebook “Portrait of the Murderer,” regarding his position on the Warren Fee. Within the first chapter, Ford recollects the potential of Lee Harvey Oswald being an FBI or CIA agent and publishes excerpts of the fee assembly discussing such. Ford printed labeled paperwork. Ford was requested about this and he replied that this was an “inadvertent error,” an adjective Biden is now utilizing.

Oh, how historical past repeats itself.

Scott G. Burgh, Kimball

It’s at all times another person….

Mayor Lori Lightfoot at all times has an excuse, similar to the excuse about recruiting CPS college students and Metropolis School college students to work on her mayoral marketing campaign. She gives a uncommon public apology — that’s as a result of she by no means apologizes for something, it’s everybody else’s fault. She blames it on a marketing campaign staffer as a result of she gained’t take the blame.

Hey Mayor Lightfoot, the buck stops with you and solely you, so stop blaming another person to your failures. It’s at all times one factor after one other. Personal it.

Gerald Burnson, Tinley Park

Hydrogen vehicles, not electrical, are the longer term

I nonetheless take a look at electrical vehicles as a future fantasy. I don’t imagine persons are severe about switching to whole electrical transportation as a result of nothing signifies it. I nonetheless haven’t seen an electrical charging station anyplace I’ve been. Promoting is out of sight, but most individuals who need electrics are on the ready listing till automakers begin producing extra of them.

Hydrogen has now appeared as even much less pollution-causing. Hydrogen burns off into water vapor, so no air pollution. Hydrogen is burned in commonplace inner combustion engines, so no retooling, no strip-mining for battery materials and no disposal points with billions of useless automotive batteries sooner or later.

Lastly, electrical energy charges within the dwelling have already skyrocketed beneath this administration, and is slowly changing into unaffordable.

Mike Zaczek, Orland Park