“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”—Winston Churchill

I fear for our republic. I fear for what will take the place of honest discourse about the issues that affect our daily lives should we stop listening to each other or listen only to those that share our world view. I worry for the hopelessness that forces us into extreme positions and makes enemies where only differences of opinion exist.

What I feel has changed and needs to be restored is empathy for those that do not share our thoughts. I do not mean we need to sympathize, but we need to understand why those on the other side of the divide feel as they do. Democracy does not require a zero-sum game. If we empathize with the other we can at least try to incorporate their needs.

I believe that we all share the same goals: health, safety, freedom of expression. We must also commit to the process that, while imperfect, will eventually get us where we want to go if we share empathy and patience.

Charles A. Rubin is a resident of Lake Huntington, NY and Hoboken, NJ.

This month’s Monthly Conversation Experiment prompt is the “State of Democracy.” We are soliciting short reflections, artwork, photos and poetry that reflect your feelings and opinions around this monthly prompt in an attempt to explore important issues in our community and our nation. We’re looking for a diversity of opinion through a variety of mediums. Be a part of the conversation. Send your contributions to editor@riverreporter.com.