Let's try using the long form.

[LAS14]

Last edited Thu Oct 9, 2025, 11:12 AM - Edit history (1)

On one of Judy Woodruff's America at a Crossroads episodes she was exploring why the membership of "bridging groups" is so heavily tilted toward the left (e.g., 54% to 15%). If the goal of a group is to get the left and the right talking, this isn't good. One woman said they were trying to get people to avoid words that trigger a knee jerk reaction on the right, words that signal a left leaning opinion even if that isn't the intention. Example words were "equity" and "racist." Woodruff asked what people should say instead and she replied (words to the effect of), "We try to explain in long form what we're doing, how we're trying to bring people of all opinions together."

The idea of talking in "long form" when addressing a wide swath of people rings true to me.

Just wanted to share this with those of you here on DU who are looking for opportunities to bridge divides.

Aside: When one organizer was asked to explain the disproportionate representation, he said the movement may look too "Kumbaya" to conservatives. Too focused just on talk.