It's been exactly three weeks since the election of Trump. Even though I am far away in Switzerland, the state of the next four years in the U.S. and around the world weighs heavy on my heart and mind.
What has inspired me the most from what I have read and seen, are the videos from Van Jones called The Messy Truth. He listens to Trump supporters and hears what they have to say. In the three, short videos that I watched, he was able to have difficult conversations that move forward, rather than just spin out. Van Jones is charismatic, articulate and a true mediator. With his conversations, he is not aiming for agreement. He's aiming for more constructive disagreement.
I come from Wisconsin. I am friends with a lot of former high school classmates who still live in Wisconsin. I am honestly not sure of their political leanings. If my Wisconsin FB friends post anything it's about celebrating birthdays, enjoying vacations and documenting kids' sports.
I am also friends with many Wisconsinites who left Wisconsin in the late 90s and moved to Seattle. These Wisconsinites are my peers in Seattle, and dear friends. Like me, they most likely keep in touch with their high school classmates. I bet together, with all our friends and family we're looking at hundreds of people connected in a very profound way (that we all grew up together). What might be very interesting is how our lives have turned out? What continues to connect us?
WHAT IF.....
Some Wisconsin peeps, who now live in Seattle - visited some old friends who still live in Wisconsin and chatted?
WHAT IF....
Some Wisconsin peeps, who still live in Wisconsin - visited some old friend who now live in Seattle and chatted?
WHAT IF.....
We kept up the face-to-face conversations for a few years - let's say we each made one trip per year. And then...in between we committed to a few video and email exchanges.
What would come of it?
Stoughton, Wiscosnin