1) Stop trying to convince them of your side!
It’s not going to work. There’s a huge political divide right now and each side thinks they are right. Both sides have strong convictions, will defend them staunchly, and will be defensive and ready to fight and cut out friends and family (some of them, anyway) over this election and its results. There’s no sense in breaking off friendships and ties with family members over this. You need each other.
2) Do your research!
Learn what the real definitions/ideals/plans are of each party: Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Green, Socialist, and others. Especially the first 2, since that’s what it boils down to. Don’t just listen to what others “think” the parties stand for, read everything you can on each party; watch what has happened in past administrations for each party and see/listen to the results of their actions and decide for yourself which party you think has helped America the most. Also, take a look at other countries to see what has worked and what hasn’t—it might have some bearing on your ideas/opinions, etc.
3) Balance outside information!
Don’t just listen to one type of news, news channel, social media, or print materials. Find sources of information from all sides: mainstream news, cable news, news stations from abroad, internet news from both mainstream and underground. When there is conflicting information, look for clarification from sources that are balanced and/or not funded by big corporations or political parties. Find sources that have no agenda other than the truth. If you can get information from “the horse’s mouth,” then get it.
4) Be positive in a neutral way or don’t say anything at all!
If you truly want America to improve and prosper, start with yourself. It does not help to engage in heated arguments and name-calling with your friends and family. Do not place blame, either. Adopt an attitude that you will do what it takes to help, not harm, others by working with what is there, or will be in the future. If you don’t like what is happening in your world, be it in your house, neighborhood, city, or nation—think of a constructive way to find a solution or meet in the middle. You have representatives to reach out to with your ideas/solutions. Do it! You have ways to make your voice known in social media, print media, podcasts and blogs, etc. Do it! But do it with an invitation of “let’s work together,” or “how can we compromise on this issue?” Yes, it may invite others who don’t have the same attitude and who may be rude, but you don’t have to listen to that. Be a force of calm, positive willingness to help change what doesn’t work, and do it from an informed, balanced frame of mind. Listen to both sides and decide together what will work and what won’t and why. That’s fair, positive, and helps bring people together.
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