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“Evolution of democracy is not possible if we are not prepared to hear the other side.”(The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi, p. 342)

The above quote rings true to me, although some people who have labeled me not a good listener. I must admit I am an impatient listener when people are saying a lot of nothing. Also when people allow you to speak your view but do not respond so dialog is impossible, I get easily frustrated.

What I see some call listening is just letting the person state their position and taking the attitude “that is you opinion and I have mine.” True listening to the other side is being willing to enter into ‘civil’, creative conflict.

My son Peter and I would get into some dialog about subjects like religion. We had our conflicts and I remember at times my wife saying we should not argue with each other. We both enjoyed these conversations of various sides and did not consider our conflict of ideas, a problem. By listening to my son I learned a lot, even though we both took opposite sides on some issues. Both of us did not believe in “my opinion, your opinion” but thought deep down there was some truth we were struggling to achieve.

Democracy, without creative listening, becomes just another game we play. The Presidential debates are just pure entertainment. Candidates say what they think people want them to say, realizing the debates are just entertainment. Who ‘wins’ or ‘loses’ debate has little or no effect on the elections which are determined by a small number of wealthy individuals who have the potent free speech of money to determine the outcome.

People like to think they are making a difference with their vote. However, deep down they know it does not make a difference and the candidate with the most money to spend will win the election 95% plus of the time.

Yes democracy will not evolve without persons able to hear the other side. The question is “do we have ears to hear?”

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