John Kenneth Galbraith wrote in his 1983 analysis of power that power rests in the “power of persuasion.” Persuasion requires effective communication of words, thoughts, and one’s vision. The political climate in recent years reflects the stark opposite of communication. Instead, we scream, rant, rage, unfriend, walk away, call each other misinformed, ignorant, and stupid; then end years-long relationships with friends and family who disagree with us.

Trump’s decisive and overwhelming victory is, in large part, the consequence of silencing rather than talking, listening, hearing, and persuading. There is a colossal arrogance in calling each other “garbage,” “misinformed,” and ”deplorables” while continually asserting only Democrats and liberals “get it” while others such as conservatives, women, Black, Hispanic, Muslim, LGBTQ, the Amish, and younger voters (all of whom are now identified as of critical in securing Trump’s victory) are unable to.

Barry Adams

Heath