Finding Common Ground

I originally wrote this post Friday, but I've just recovered from the trip enough to actually share my thoughts here. :)

During our Friday morning session, we were asked what the most important thing we learned was. After reflecting for a bit, I realized that the most important thing I learned is how gray politics really is. Although I've always understood that there is not only right and left in politics, it has be awesome to see that in person. More often than not, the words of the speakers were not about the "big" issues we think separate Democrats and Republicans, but rather the smaller, more important factors that bring us together. The media tries to tell us that the parties are too polarized to come together. Our speakers did discuss the fact that the parties are very polarized, but that the reason for that resides in the fact the the members of the parties do not correspond with one another. It gives me hope knowing that I heard from speakers of different parties and was able to see common ground in their words. The most important thing I've learned this week is how vital it is for us to show Americans that politics isn't black and white and that although it's okay (and necessary!) to disagree, we must find common ground to move forward!