Let's Talk About It...Or Think of Doing that at least!

To the Editor...

 For all the books and programs offered or required in schools, libraries, courts news outlets and public speaking programs such as Toastmasters.org (which is offering some free online conventions and support tips,) the idea of having a meaningful discussion online or among a group of people (say 2-6 for starters) is not common and could be as scary as giving a formal rehearsed speech. Being open to hear people with differing views is part of how we can tune into our local and wider sense of humanity, culture and politics. 

 

 At the recent Scottish Festival held at Lime Rock Park in CT, I was able to meet and greet many folks informally who had their booths set up for sharing information about their clan, music (St. Edmunds Pipes and Drums from Enders Island Retreat in Mystic CT ), efforts in the astounding sporting events of throwing or carrying a heavy pole, or otherwise connecting with the amazing day's events.

 I had a flyer I offered to some people about my blog Livfully.org and explained that I try to keep the conversation going over time about the tri-corner MA/NY CT area which represents much of rural America as well as some from the Brooklyn NY scene or other parts of the world or events that are shaping our culture. 

 

One fellow said he only watches Fox News for the unique alternative it represents. He was reluctant to speak with me since I was wearing a tee shirt saying "We Are All in this Together" with a picture of the planet under that. He warned me he knew all about the cancel culture and everyone merging to be of one mind or risk being booted off of Instagram or Twitter. I told him it would be worthwhile for me to hear what he was saying and share that with others. 

 

He warned he felt that people ignoring the real history of people be conquered (the stronger overtaking the weaker as a main point to keep in mind) could lead to losing gun ownership rights, practicing religion or other ways of maintaining their social and cultural identity. I shared with him it would be helpful if more people understood each other's world view and motivation. 

 

Others in the area have said there are more groups forming to have compounds to train people in a survivalist or even paramilitary type effort which worries others near and far. Trying to understand where one another is coming from in terms of personal, family, cultural, national histories and values could shed more light on what is happening in our communities.

 

  What might assist people in sharing more of their concerns and hopefully creative healing ideas in one forum or another? Doing so anonymously likely works best, but with the monitoring of everything online and off and even in any court or legal proceeding and in many public arenas, few things can be shared in the spirit of hearing what one another is thinking, believing or able to consider even in terms of WIT (What If Thinking.)

 

 Let's try to find a few spokespeople and form online and local 'message centers' for each age and stage of life to help all people understand the needs and options for managing basics such as having housing, support for care and schooling, work and travel to work and appointments and other basics. Tackling politics and problems would be worthwhile too with some supportive questions and ideas to explore as well. 

 

More team efforts in every town to provide for ways for people to 'talk shop' about being part of a community even with many connections online or in neighboring areas can help people feel part of a tribe with a team effort rather than isolated and silenced. Thanks to all working along these lines and for being willing to bridge gaps and face challenges of all kinds together for the greater good.

 

Catherine Palmer Paton