A new dawn

The rising sun casts an arc of light into the sky on Wednesday in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The radiant moments just before and after sunrise may not get all the attention they deserve. We rush here and there, we don't look up. That's certainly true on days that begin with some clouds, or a bit of haze on a slightly warmer morning, when a less spectacular display of light is expected.

And yet, even when the sky isn't entirely blue, the sun rises, and with its power, tested over the ages, it sends forth a powerful light, a herald of illuminating grace.

While driving through Woodstock, Vermont, in the early hours of Wednesday, the rising sun had a majestic glow, projecting a silvery hue onto nature's winter glory. Down the mountains, over the Ottauquechee River and to the village street where I pointed my camera, came the brilliant light — an unexpected moment, captured and cherished, its own reward.

It was the dawning of a new day, a new beginning for the country on an historic Inauguration Day, welcoming a new president, and the first woman, African American and Asian American to hold the vice presidency. Adversity tried to delay this new dawn, even stop it entirely. But democracy could only keep shining, so very brightly, with a steadfast, rock-solid resolve emanating from its sturdy foundation. Its light wasn't hidden, diminished, or broken. It increased, propelled by a flood of hope from the millions of Americans watching special moments unfold, one after the other.

Still, for others in our great country, this light was darkness. The calls for unity rang hollow on their ears, perhaps stirred anger in their hearts. At this moment, the grace of compassion and the soft voice of love, is the only answer for discontent, frustration, anger or hate. It doesn't matter where on the political spectrum those negative qualities appear — we must always counteract them with goodness, with love, meekness and compassion. To secure a better future for all, our best qualities must direct our progress and be our stalwart guides in the darkness.

This clouded night of obstacles lines the path toward eventual unity, because there will always be challenges to overcome. Along the way, they will demand more of our collective strength as we press on toward the brighter dawn. As William Shakespeare said, "Sweet are the uses of adversity which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head."

Today, the jewel we seek is a stronger, more unified, and more just society, operating genuinely for the greater good. The most powerful aspect of sunlight, is that it shines equally for all. Whatever your background, whatever your politics, this new dawn offers the opportunity to repair the fabric of a divided country, step by step. With love, empathy and compassion driving it, the work of unity can be uplifting for everyone, just as the light of dawn shares its brilliance with all people.

— Gareth Henderson

Biden: ‘This is democracy’s day’

An American flag in Woodstock, Vermont, during the Fourth of July. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Before a silent National Mall but with a message of hope, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as the new president and vice president of the United States on Wednesday. With that accomplished, history was made: Harris officially became the first African American, the first Asian American and the first woman to hold the country's second-highest public office.

The historic moment gave joy to millions, but it was not before the usual inauguration crowd of thousands. Amid heightened security and the pandemic, the National Mall was instead filled with a majestic public art display of nearly 200,000 flags — including American flags, and flags from every state and territory — representing the many people who couldn’t be there to share the moment. With applause from the smaller, distanced gathering assembled, Biden took to the podium to address the nation for the first time as its 46th president.

"This is America's day, this is democracy's day, a day of history and hope, a day of renewal and resolve," Biden said.

That resolve was severely tested in recent months, during an election fraught with unproven allegations of election fraud and swirling conspiracy theories. Rage about the election result fueled the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, in which supporters of former president Donald Trump tried to derail the Congressional process to complete the certification of the presidential election. That attempt failed, as Biden noted, but he put it in a larger context, about the power of the country's foundation.

"Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause: the cause of democracy," Biden declared. "The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. We've learned again that democracy is precious, democracy is fragile, and at this hour my friends, democracy has prevailed."

Unity was the main theme, and a quality Biden said the country greatly needs. He acknowledged there are Americans who are not pleased that he was in office, and calls for unity often ring hollow today.

"I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days. I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real, but I also know they are not new," Biden said.

He noted that through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World Wars, 9/11 and other dark times, we've overcome challenges together.

"Through struggle, sacrifices and setbacks, our better angels have always prevailed," Biden pointed out.

Going forward, he said Americans must guard against "lies told for power and profit" and speak up for truth.

"We must stop the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured," Biden insisted.

The president also spoke directly to those who voted against him.

"Hear me out, as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart, and if you still disagree, so be it. That's democracy. That's America," Biden said. "The right to dissent peaceably within the guardrails of our republic is perhaps this nation's greatest strength. Yet hear me clearly, disagreement must not lead to disunion, and I pledge this to you: I will be a president for all Americans."

All Americans, in one way or another, have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Biden led a brief moment of silence for those who lost their lives, their families and the country. As he did several times, the president pointed out the simultaneous challenges we face, including threats to democracy and truth, the pandemic, systemic racism, growing inequity and climate change.

"Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways, but the fact is, we face them all at once, presenting this nation with one of the gravest responsibilities we've had," Biden said.

He urged people to set aside politics and forge a united front against the coronavirus.

"In the work ahead of us, we're going to need each other, need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter," he cautioned.

Biden also recalled a different January, in 1863, that also saw rife division throughout the land. It was the month that President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Upon doing so, he said, "If my name ever goes down into history, it will be for this act, and my whole soul is in it."

"Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation," he said. "And I ask every American to join me in this cause."

Biden also pledged to put the people first in his work as president.

"I'll keep everything I do in your service, thinking not of power but of possibilities, not personal interest but the public good, and together, we shall write an American story of hope not fear, of unity not division, of light not darkness, a story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness,” the president said. “May this be the story that guides us, the story that inspires us, and the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history."

Powerful moments of reflection surfaced when National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman shared her stunning poem, "The Hill We Climb", becoming the youngest inaugural poet in the nation's history at 22. Gorman recalled the events of Jan. 6 and the resiliency that followed, saying "while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated."

Her message was poignant, created for the nation, the world, and this era, as it looked also to the future:

"Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true: That even as we grieved we grew, that even as we hurt we hoped, that even as we tired we tried, that we'll forever be tied together, victorious. Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division."

— Gareth Henderson

Choosing unity, not sides

A snow-covered scene off Barber Hill Road in Pomfret, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The best way to resolve a problem is to get at its roots. The same concept applies to the divisive nature of the U.S. political climate, and the idea can help us cultivate a stronger focus on unity as a people.

At the heart of this divisiveness, is the pressure people often feel to choose sides politically and stick with that choice. In recent years, that mode of thinking has become ingrained in our national consciousness, accompanied by many assumptions about those who are on "the other side." Too often, we have a fixed image in mind of who they are — typically, a negative one.

The danger in that thinking is that it breeds divisiveness, by focusing on the pitfalls of a different group and building on self-perpetuating negativity. In essence, it's a dead end, not a way to unify people for the greater good. The best way forward is to choose the side of unity, and tailor our thinking to that. The more we take that approach, the less important political labels will be when we consider how to press on toward a more unified country.

In the coming months, the main indicator of progress will be what motivates us, and it would be best if partisanship wasn't in the driver's seat. Instead, we can choose to rise above those generalizations and assumptions of others, and reach out the hand of partnership to build productive relationships. Those connections will serve the goal of unity-building much better than thinking that encourages us to take sides. By planting the seeds of peace, love and compassion, we can work together and encourage others to do the same. Approaching our problems together in this way, better days are well within our grasp.

— Gareth Henderson

A time of relief and reflection

A mountain view from Howe Hill Road in Pomfret, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

For many Americans, the prevailing feeling over the weekend was one of relief, after the 2020 presidential race was called for Joe Biden on Saturday and supporters celebrated throughout the country.

A record 75.5 million voters brought in the victory for Biden and Kamala Harris, who became the first woman and the first person of color to be elected vice president. The announcement struck an emotional chord for many, including CNN commentator Van Jones, a Black man and a father, who tearfully expressed relief at the Democratic victory on Saturday. During his moving remarks, he alluded to the increased racism minorities around the country have felt during their lives over the past four years. Media outlets have reported that Black voters were essential to Biden's success over Republican President Donald Trump in battlegrounds like Pennsylvania and Georgia.

"It's a vindication for a lot of people who have really suffered," Jones said on CNN, reacting to the result.

He also mentioned George Floyd, the Black man who died under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer earlier this year while saying he couldn't breathe. The killing sparked worldwide protests against racial injustice, and also shone a spotlight on the struggles of people of color in the U.S.

"You know 'I can't breathe' — that wasn't just George Floyd. That was a lot of people who felt they couldn't breathe," Jones said. "You're waking up every day and you're getting these tweets ... and you're going to the store, and people who have been afraid to show their racism are getting nastier and nastier to you."

While there are different views on the election result, Jones noted "for a whole lot of people, it's a good day."

"This is a big deal, for us to be able to get some peace, and have a chance for a reset," Jones said.

He also brought up character, saying the outcome showed the character of the nation still mattered. Indeed, preserving the values of decency, empathy and compassion were frequently brought up during the Biden campaign, as values that still represent the American people. Those qualities were often mentioned in the context of building unity, a theme often emphasized by the president-elect, who has pledged to work for supporters and non-supporters alike.

Clearly, the election victory was a major one, though sharp divides remain throughout the country. That makes unity-building hugely important, especially since 71 million people voted for Trump — and some of them continue to support the president's legal challenges in battleground states.

Thankfully, the election moved forward in a peaceful manner, when many were worried it may not. It's important to recognize the incredible dedication of election workers — who will likely face the task of recounts in Georgia and Pennsylvania. The voters showed up in historic numbers, and by doing so, they showed this all-important institution of voting is alive and well.

Beyond the vote, the next way to strengthen our country is to begin to heal it. On Saturday after the Biden-Harris victory was declared, Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott congratulated the winners and supported their efforts to heal divisions.

He urged everyone to "rise above the anger and divisiveness" and focus on our common humanity.

“We can start by treating those with whom we disagree on public policy or politics with dignity and respect, knowing vigorous debate can still be civil," he said. "We can listen to, and learn from, others — putting ourselves in another person’s shoes. And we can work to find common ground rather than creating conflict."

Scott described perfectly what must happen to heal division: local action. National unity can't be built without individual Americans deciding they're going to engage in the work as well. That includes learning, and specifically, learning from people of different backgrounds and listening to their views before forming a conclusion. Now is an important time to begin those efforts toward listening, gaining understanding and laying a foundation for progress. Together, we can calm and leaven the national conversation, and lift it to a higher place where people want to participate in solutions. That will go a long way toward addressing key issues, like systemic racism, and bringing Americans together for the greater good.

— Gareth Henderson

Biden: This is America’s ‘time to heal’

An American flag flies in Woodstock, Vermont, on the Fourth of July. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

After clinching an historic election victory on Saturday, U.S. President-Elect Joe Biden called for unity and healing in his first public address since the result in Pennsylvania put him over the needed 270 electoral votes earlier in the day. 

It was a time of sheer jubilation for the 75 million voters who supported Biden and now-Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, who became the first woman and the first person of color elected to the nation’s second-highest office. 

Addressing the crowd gathered in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday night, Harris thanked the voters, saying the result proved that the people can still change the direction of the country. 

“When our very democracy was on the ballot in this election, with the very soul of America at stake and the world watching, you ushered in a new day for America,” Harris said. 

She acknowledged the four years of struggle while many tried to make a difference. 

“For four years, you marched and organized for equality and justice, for our lives and for our planet, and then, you voted,” she said. “And you delivered a clear message. You chose hope and unity, decency, science, and yes, truth.”

Harris also mentioned her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who came to the U.S. from India at the age of 19. 

“She believed so deeply in America, where a moment like this is possible.” 

The vice president-elect then paid tribute to “all the women who have worked to secure and protect the right to vote for over a century.”

“Tonight I reflect on their struggle, their determination, and the strength of their vision to be unburdened by what has been,” Harris said. “I stand on their shoulders.”

She added, “Every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.” 

The 75 million vote total was the most ever won by a presidential candidate in U.S. history, and Biden-Harris supporters filled the streets of major American cities to celebrate throughout the afternoon and evening. 

But it was a very different day for the nearly 71 million people who supported Biden’s Republican opponent, President Donald Trump, who is forging ahead with legal challenges to results in multiple states. The Democratic victor reached out to those voters in his speech from his hometown of Wilmington, saying he would work for them as president, too. 

“For all those of you who voted for President Trump, I understand the disappointment tonight — I’ve lost a couple times myself,” Biden said. “But now, let’s give each other a chance.”

He urged people to “lower the temperature” and listen to each other.

“To make progress, we have to stop treating our opponents as our enemies, they are not our enemies, they’re Americans.”  

The president-elect said Americans sent a clear mandate that their leaders need to work together. 

“The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season — a time to build, a time to reap, a time to sow. And a time to heal,” Biden said. “This is the time to heal in America.”

Biden thanked his campaign team for helping to build a broad, diverse coalition, and he pledged that his administration would reflect that diversity. He also spoke to the African American community, which turned out in record numbers in key urban areas like Philadelphia, to lift the campaign over the finish line. 

“You’ve always had my back, and I’ll have yours.” 

Harris and Biden each spoke of unity, which has been a theme throughout their campaign. 

“I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide but unify — who doesn’t see red states and blue states, only sees the United States,” Biden said Saturday night. 

Laying out several priorities, Biden his first one was defeating the pandemic. He said he’d name a group of leading scientists and experts on Monday as transition advisors on a new plan to battle the crisis.

Biden also called for renewed efforts to combat climate change and root out systemic racism, while also speaking out against the bitter partisanship that has gripped the U.S. 

“Let this grim era of demonization in America begin to end here and now.” 

He also recited the lines to the well-known hymn, “On Eagles’ Wings,” which meant a lot to his late son, Beau, and which he hoped would bring comfort to those who have lost a loved one in the pandemic: 

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings

Bear you on the breath of dawn

Make you to shine like the sun

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

In closing, Biden said, “And now together, on eagles’ wings, we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do, with full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and each other.”

— Gareth Henderson

Adding certainty to the equation

The setting sun brightens trees along Fletcher Schoolhouse Road in Woodstock. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Certainty has been in short supply this year, but one important thing in this country remains certain: our natural tendency toward unity.

Even amid all the political furor and the pandemic, that essential quality of unity can still gain momentum through the good expressed in this world. One proof of that was the many young people in the U.S. who volunteered to be election workers for the first time. Along with that, election workers in general have demonstrated great professionalism and poise as they've diligently forged ahead with their work, including in battleground states where they face immense political pressure. They're working steadfastly for the greater good, and that should inspire the rest of us to do the same, whether it's through civic engagement or a different avenue.

Indeed, that engagement is more important than ever, to ensure that every vote is counted and the integrity of the system protected. Election officials in key battleground states are saying the process is working. The process of receiving and counting mail-in ballots is the same one that's been used for absentee ballots for years, said Kathy Boockvar, Pennsylvania's secretary of state, in a news conference Thursday evening.

"The strength of the integrity of this vote is really unparalleled," she said.

As legal challenges in these battlegrounds persist and the presidential race tightens, we can confidently know that the integrity built into the system will be sustained as counting continues. That virtue endures and reflects the enduring spirit of our democracy, its foundational strength, wisdom and poise in the face of adversity. Moving forward with that basis, we can remain vigilant and demand to see progress continue. That collective purpose is an important way to drive the unity-building we greatly need as a people. Maintaining the bedrock of our democracy is a powerful goal, and working together, nothing can stand in our way. Of that, I'm certain.

— Gareth Henderson

Reasons for hope

An American flag flies in Woodstock, Vermont, on the Fourth of July. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Even with all the tension in the world today, the thing that gives U.S. Rep. Peter Welch the most hope is seeing Vermonters help Vermonters.

For example, there are 1,300 volunteers working with local agencies in Franklin County to get meals to people in need, Welch said Thursday, speaking during a “Future of Democracy” panel hosted by the Cornell Institute of Politics and Global Affairs. Responding to questions from listeners, panelists noted the importance of taking action at the local level to build the unity the country needs. 

“That community engagement, it's there, and it gives me great hope," Welch said. 

Vermont’s lone congressman joined U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff, of California; former U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, of Tennessee; and the former U.S. Ambassador to India, Tim Roemer, of Indiana; for the discussion led by former U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, of New York, on behalf of Cornell University. 

Concern about the vote was a major theme, and Wamp and Roemer spoke about the organization they helped form, the National Council on Election Integrity. It’s “a bipartisan group of political, government, and civic leaders united around protecting the integrity of our elections,” according to its website, counteveryvote.org. Wamp, a Republican, and Roemer, a Democrat, put their longstanding working relationship to good use for this new organization, just as they did when they served in Congress together. 

“Zach and I have a lot of disagreements on policy ... but one thing we will go to the mat on, and fight for our lives on, is the right to vote and to count every vote," Roemer said.  

He said the National Council on Election Integrity encourages patience while the votes are counted, staying peaceful as a nation, and allowing Constitutional processes to take place. The group plans a robust advertising campaign in the days following Nov. 3 to encourage these principles. 

Part of this effort is encouraging people to get behind civility and societal norms that have been tossed aside in recent years. Wamp said the divisive impact of big money in politics, most notable now in negative campaign ads, must be dealt with after the election passes. 

“Our republic unravels if we do not have a set of norms and values that we all respect,” he said. 

Those norms and values have been further challenged through the realm of social media, where misinformation has spread out into the larger society, faster than ever before. This has led Welch to ask whether some federal regulatory oversight is needed for social media companies. He noted it’s tougher than ever to have an actual debate within the bounds of fact. The pandemic has been an example of that, he pointed out, with some people distrusting confirmed scientific information.

“We find ourselves in the public sphere really arguing about conspiracy theories,” Welch said, citing the growing “sewer of misinformation.” He added, “There really is a business model that amplifies that: more hits, more advertising revenue.”

He acknowledged a regulatory debate in that realm would be a difficult one.

“Once you get into a free speech question, it's very fraught, but what we have to ask is, how do we deal with the social media equivalent of yelling ‘fire’ in a crowded theater?” Welch said. “You can't do that in real life, but on social media you can.”

Schiff said many more people get their information from social media now, and “fear, anger and lies travel far faster than truth.” 

“It’s lit a fire of xenophobic nationalism around the world,” Schiff said. 

Welch also noted the importance of addressing the economic inequality issues that have become ingrained in our institutions. 

“Those are issues that affect you whether you're in a red state or a blue state," he said. 

Responding to an audience question about building unity in the U.S., Schiff said an important part of the solution is getting people together in local communities to build civility, support civic education, and bridge the partisan divide. He said “neighbor-to-neighbor” solutions are important, along with larger-scale approaches. 

“I think we’ll need a strong grassroots approach to healing as well,” Schiff said. 

He sees a lot of potential for that across the country, with Americans willing to withstand some very long lines to vote early in this pivotal election.

“They're determined to overcome any difficulty and make sure their voice is heard, and that gives me a lot of optimism,” Schiff said. 

Healing is the correct word for what the U.S. needs, and the panelists were clear on the importance of the community’s role in resolving partisan divides. Bridging those differences must be at the heart of solutions to all issues facing the country. That approach helps ensure long-term collaboration for the good of the nation, but it starts at the local level. For example, community-based initiatives can facilitate communication between people who may disagree with each other politically, but they each have a wonderful, shared desire to help their community thrive. Those opportunities give people a chance to find common ground, build relationships, and, in turn, help the country become a little more unified. That’s when real change takes root.

— Gareth Henderson

Where we place power

Fencing along Route 106 in South Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Looking back at 2020, one could call it the year of opposites, and the contrasts have not been subtle. 

The examples, whose struggles are accentuated by the pandemic, are many: healthy and sick, rich and poor, employed and unemployed, pro-justice and pro-status quo. We can certainly throw in political persuasions, as those weigh heavily on many minds in the run-up to the election. 

Indeed, these stark contrasts have stoked fear of the unknown and led to many questions about what people can do to improve the situation. One important step is to push back against the suggestion that the tension between opposites has the final call, and can control our future. We do this by seeking, embracing and cultivating the commonalities between us — and I believe we have many more similarities as people, than we do differences. These similarities are points of unity, because that unity is the ultimate goal for true progress as a society. 

To realize that progress, we must look outside of any silos we habitually embrace, and seek ways to learn from people with different life experiences. Not only will this expand our individual horizons, but it’s also a way to search for solutions to society’s challenges. If we try to resolve major issues within a familiar way of thinking, we may end up at the same dead ends others have encountered. By diversifying our approach to key issues and working together, new partnerships may lead to new innovations for addressing old problems. 

That may seem a long way off — maybe impossible — amid the current state of things. The election has exacerbated anxieties around a host of issues, and there are understandably concerns about what will happen after the election. Despite those factors, we still have a choice in how we view the world. Instead of viewing it as a huge problem, we can view it as an opportunity — an opportunity to persistently work together to shift power away from negative influences, to positive ones. If we each embrace such efforts and continue them a little each day, we can push back against our fears and put power back on the side of unity. 

— Gareth Henderson

Gov. Scott calls for healing of divisions

A country road in Pomfret, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott urged citizens to do their part to heal divisions in the country, in the wake of a foiled plot in Michigan to allegedly overthrow that state's government and kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Thirteen men were arrested in connection with the reported plot, including six members of a right-wing militia accused of planning the kidnapping. The FBI and state and local law enforcement collaborated in the case. Throughout this year, Whitmer, a Democrat, has been the subject of intense criticism from political opponents over state-imposed restrictions to address the pandemic.

At his press conference on Friday, Scott condemned the alleged plot, which he said also included plans to take over the Michigan State Capitol, take hostages and attack law enforcement and first responders. 

"This news, which appears to be driven by intense and deep polarization, is shocking and disturbing, and is why all of us need to find a way to heal the deep divisions in our country," he said. 

Vermont's governor said the country is "reaching a boiling point" and we need to collectively bring the temperature down. 

"Elected officials across the country, but especially at the top, must realize that words matter," Scott said. "We all need to be aware that violent groups exist, and we must stop the rhetoric that incites this path to violence."   

Scott made another important point on Friday, about the impact of divisiveness. 

"We all must do better, because our kids are watching, and they're learning from us." 

When it comes to rhetoric, that really is the first thing a lot of young Americans pick up on, because the rhetoric tends to make it to social media very quickly. And these days, so much of it seems negative, feeding a cycle of conflict. We have to remind each other, including our kids, that working toward unity begins with how we interact with people, including those we disagree with. We have to find opportunities for progress, rather than simply call out our differences. We may find commonalities where we least expect them. 

The news in Michigan is difficult to process; for most of us, it's difficult to even fathom. But where there is turmoil, there's also an opportunity for compassion, which is a powerful building block for the unity this country greatly needs. We all have a role in that healing process. But the solutions to those challenges start on a small scale, with each of us approaching our fellow humans with open hearts and an inclusive, listening ear. That's how we start to push back against division, and replace it with the peace we cultivate together. 

— Gareth Henderson

Rising above the noise

The work of haying forms a unique pattern surrounded by fall scenery off Cloudland Road in Pomfret, Vermont, recently. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

This week's presidential debate was more than just a reflection of the political noise that's throwing public discourse off track. It was also a reminder that we should all do our part to turn the discourse in a more productive direction — one that unites, not divides. 

Obviously, that kind of change will take time and patience, and it can't be rushed. It starts with productive moments, leading to understanding each other more fully, and finding common ground for greater progress on important issues. This all starts by trying to understand those we disagree with, offering a compassionate, listening ear. It can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it's the only way to counter polarization and build each other up. 

Though national political pressures are at play here, Vermont is well-suited to providing that environment, a place where people can speak about disparate points of view civilly, so that it leads to further discussion. The state has small communities, where the level of familiarity with one another may be helpful for building productive partnerships for change.

Going forward, a foundation of common thought is always useful when starting such discussions. Thankfully, regardless of our political persuasion, we still have some things in common. That includes this basic value: In the end, we all want our communities to succeed. 

Our collective goal is progress, and we have to break out of our political silos to seize it. That work starts small — on the community level, the family and friend level. If there's a viewpoint you've never understood, seek out an opportunity to learn more about it. Maybe even talk to someone who holds that view. Hopefully that leads to a basis of stronger understanding and, on some issues, common ground. It may feel like a small step, but small steps bring us closer to the greater unity we need and deserve today. If we take those steps, we can gradually rise above that political noise, and build a more productive future together. 

— Gareth Henderson

Seeking understanding

Clouds catch the last glimmer of evening sunlight near Cabot Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

This country was built on finding common ground between differing points of view. Though that ability often seems elusive right now, it’s a focus we can regain, and it starts with working to understand each other better.

On that note, the breakdown of pandemic relief negotiations in Washington are fresh in people’s minds today. That result showed the great need for effective collaboration, especially in times of great need. Many observed the situation over the past week, hoping the talks were sufficiently driven by the urgency of the moment, that — just maybe — a deal would be hammered out. Instead, the negotiations stalled, and on Saturday President Donald Trump took executive action on several key items, including extending enhanced federal unemployment aid, though at the reduced rate of $400 per week. For now, the talks remain at a standstill. 

While the issues at the federal level loom large, given the great need for a new COVID-19 relief bill, Vermont’s unified approach to the recovery provides some reassurance. Gov. Phil Scott and his team continue to unveil grant programs and other initiatives backed by funding the Legislature approved this year. That money comes from the federal CARES Act, and other initiatives supported by that money are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks, to further help with recovery. 

To be sure, the road ahead is one of limited options to address this economic crisis. As I ponder it, I’m reminded of the governor’s words in a prior press conference: “It just takes us, united, to make this a better country for everyone.” At the time, he spoke of the need to address issues of racial equity, and that statement can also apply to healing political rifts and other divisions in our nation. The solutions to all crucial issues start right in our own communities, with a willingness to step closer to somebody else’s truth and compassionately understand their perspective. From that point, we can move toward building unity, heart by heart, and eventually use that momentum to take on big problems. It’s a gradual process, with an end-goal that’s worth pursuing.

— Gareth Henderson

Update: On Sunday, Aug. 9, Reuters reported that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin each expressed a willingness to resume COVID-19 relief talks.

Building unity

The nation is mightily struggling to find a path forward through many difficulties, but unity remains a worthy goal for the country, and one we cannot abandon. 

Here in Vermont, we have a good starting point for that unity the country needs. In the past four months, I've appreciated — more than ever — the calm and measured overall approach of our Vermont leaders, locally, regionally and statewide. Although there are tense moments, that approach is innate to our community life. Here, oftentimes we can still talk to one another after a good debate, and people frequently say, "We're so lucky to be in Vermont.” I heartily agree. But for me, that goes beyond the relative calm the state offers. We have to use what we’ve got. That sense of steadiness and poise gives us a strong starting point for change, if we start from a place where we can all be heard. 

That starting point begins with listening. When I look at this state, neighbors have enough respect for one another that they can at least talk about differences of opinion. When people can at least talk, they can hear different points of view, and that’s a crucial ingredient for progress today. It’s how you start to break through the extremes, and get to the center. 

That last part is paramount to progress. I believe it’s important to find that center, starting with places of agreement on key issues, and moving forward from there. It is hard, and it requires humble thinking and tough conversations, but nothing can replace an honest discussion that opens the way to understanding each other better. It’s the only way to move the nation forward, and Vermont has a special opportunity to light that path. 

— Gareth Henderson

Goodness still strong, not defeated

The great weight of all that has happened in the U.S. since the pandemic first intensified in March is undeniable, and often overwhelming.

Also undeniable, is the kindness, love and compassion that have together been our rudder through these stormy waves. Indeed, our better attributes have been tough to recognize amid the divisions in the country that seem to deepen each time we turn on the news. This turns me back to a question many asked weeks ago about the acts of kindness that multiplied among neighbors: Will that love last? Will that sense of unity make a long-term difference, leading to more loving, more profound ways of relating to each other?

With so much struggle and political strife, the answer “no” might be plain for many. But I believe there is sufficient momentum for the good, and enough need for progress, that the best in each of us can hold sway over the future. There remains hope for the “yes” column, in spite of the stark difficulties we face as a people. That innate goodness still lives among us.

The fact is, we each have a decision with each step we take. We can choose the direction of progress, starting with learning and understanding more about how we got to this place, and what we can do in our own lives to better society. Every step forward, is a step closer to change, though the steps may feel small at first.

We all have an opportunity to be part of the solutions that move the nation forward. History has urged us to build something stronger together, to seek a new dawn. The lasting hope I feel tells me we will seize the opportunity to be better, though the road is long with obstacles. We’re strong enough, courageous enough to travel it.

— Gareth Henderson