As I sat down with my guests James Harrison and Norm Davis, I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. The political climate in America has been heating up, and not in a good way. We've been witnessing a growing divide between the left and right, with each side becoming more entrenched in their views and less willing to listen to the other.
James, ever the keen observer, had reached out to me months ago with his concerns. "I sensed," he said, "that at the rate we're going here, every presidential election is about the negatives about the candidates and why the world's going to end if your candidate doesn't win." His words struck a chord with me. I, too, had been pondering the same issues.
The temperature in America, as James put it, "is at the boiling point if not boiling already." We both recognized the need for action, to find a way to simmer down the tensions before they boil over into something far worse.
Norm chimed in, echoing our concerns. "We've got so much division now, and we see so many extreme things going on," he observed. His words highlighted the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in.
As we delved deeper into the conversation, it became clear that we all shared a common goal: to prevent political violence and foster a more civil society. This led to the birth of our initiative, the Election Peace Pledge.
"Wouldn't it be great," I mused, "if 100 million Americans said yes, I pledge not to be involved in political violence during the election or in the next Administration?" It's a simple idea, but one that could have a profound impact.
James emphasized the importance of starting at the local level. "You need to get to know your neighbors," he advised. "A lot of us don't even know our neighbors, and that's where you can really have the most effect, the most control."
Norm added a spiritual dimension to our discussion, reminding us of the power of prayer in these trying times. "We need to do a lot of praying about the situation too," he said, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach to addressing our nation's divisions.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I found myself reflecting on a quote from Jordan Peterson that James had shared: "The world shifts itself around your aim." With that in mind, I declared, "I'm aiming in November for a civil America. That's what I'm aiming for, that's what I hope this project will accomplish."
Our discussion left me with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. While the challenges ahead are significant, I believe that by coming together, listening to one another, and committing to non-violence, we can navigate these turbulent political waters and emerge as a stronger, more united nation.
Will you join us in taking the Election Peace Pledge? Together, we can make a difference.