Attack mode has become the norm for everyday discourse, and this can create situations where even friends and family are unable to listen to each other. Since we are in the middle of the holiday zone between Thanksgiving and the New Year we want to focus on what the holidays are supposed to be about.

Thanksgiving should remind us of all the reasons we have tobe thankful, and the rest of the season should be about peace and kindness.

When we are with people who have forgotten this we can commit to being the oneswho bring joy to those around us.

We suggest one of two strategies for avoiding the status quothis holiday season. Instead of giving up alcohol for Dry December try taking a break from talking about politics. If that doesn’t work go to Plan B. When someone starts talking about divisive topics just state your views politely andengage respectfully with those who have opposing views.

We suspect most people just want to feel comfortable havinga conversation so you might be surprised at the results. And however things turn out you can be at peace and enjoy the holidays!

#GOP #RNC #DNC #independentvoters #democrats #republicans #nolabels #forwardparty #coalitionpurple @openprimariesorg #holidayconversations #civildiscource #politcalphilanthropy

Government hypocrisy has reached new heights in America. California legislators want to save democracy by ignoring voter-approved constitutional amendments that prevent politicians from redrawing congressional district lines. They don’t seem to understand that democracy does not exist if the California Constitution is meaningless.

Meanwhile politicians in Florida plan to end all vaccine mandates for children in the name of bodily autonomy. This seems a bit inconsistent with their views on abortion but maybe ideological consistency is not one of their values.

It’s important to reassess our values and to question “established” science but this must be done in a thoughtful way.

A “let’s break it and then fix it” approach is simply a recipe for disaster. We need more centrists in government who will bring reasonable approaches to problem solving. We are well overdue for a new political party that will commit to responsible governance.

#GOP #RNC #DNC #independentvoters #democrats #republicans #nolabels #forwardparty #coalitionpurple @openprimariesorg #redistrict #gerrymander #vaccines #publichealth

This week we talk with Dick Lucas. He’s running forCalifornia State Assembly district 51 which includes Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Westwood and West L.A.

He is our kind of candidate because he focuses on issuesthat matter like housing, homelessness, and the economy. And he’s doing it without any funding from outside sources. In fact, he’s going to see what one man can do with just ingenuity, digital technology, and love for the state ofCalifornia and its people.

He tells us that most people he talks to don’t know whorepresents them in Sacramento. Like us, he is on a mission to change that.

Regardless of what happens in the next election, Dick Lucasis in it for the long haul. He’s committed to making positive change in our political system for the next 10 years.

Check out the entire episode to hear his ideas about how we can all help to reform the system. And subscribe to Dick's Instagram and YouTube channels at @dicklucas

#GOP #RNC #DNC #independentvoters #democrats #republicans #nolabels #forwardparty #coalitionpurple @openprimariesorg #housingcrisis #californiapolitics #voterawareness #thirdpoliticalparty