Since you are reading this page, you already know that the title of this blog is Listen First Please. Let me repeat – Listen First Please! (That title becomes an important part of this post!)
Too often, many of us find ourselves speaking with others in hopes that they see the world from our vantage point – can you relate? Let’s face it, if you start talking politics openly with someone, chances are good that you already know their perspective and now all you want is for them to “prop-up” your beliefs. If you were a Trump supporter and having a discussion with someone that you feel supported Trump, you probably could not wait to attack V.P. Harris. Conversely, if you were a Harris supporter and you were talking about the election with a like-minded friend, the Trump bashing could go on for hours. Now – let’s take it a step further, imagine you are an elected Democratic Senator from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and you are asked about confirming President-elect Trump’s cabinet choices – how should you respond? Let’s take a look at how John Fetterman responded in this CNN interview.
Let me step back from analyzing Fetterman’s remarks and firstly dissect the question asked of Fetterman by the CNN reporter: “What about some of the other controversial Trump picks such as Kash Patel and RFK Jr.”. As I think about that question, I would be curious to know, what makes a pick controversial? I mean, if Abraham Lincoln or FDR were alive, would either of them be a controversial pick? Who is the final arbiter on what is and what is not “controversial”?
When a question is asked by a “news outlet”, maybe a more appropriate way to frame the question might be: Do you, Senator Fetterman, feel any of the cabinet nominees will be hard for you to support and why? It seems to me that asking the question that way, would give the Senator a chance to determine who he considers controversial. OK – enough on media bias!
During the interview, I love that Senator Fetterman made the following statement; “All I am saying is that Democrats or other people can freak out over anyone that was nominated and I am not that guy and I am open to have a conversation…” How refreshing, he is not going to freak out and he is willing to have dialogue and keep an open mind.
I also support Senator Fetterman’s comment later in the interview when he states: “why is it controversial to have a dialogue with the people that will be part of the next administration?” Thankfully Senator, it is a great idea to open up lines of communication with people from the “other side of the aisle”. If we are to have a government that functions for the people, we need a few more representatives like Senator Fetterman.
I will end this blog with a letter (email) that I recently sent to Senator Fetterman.
Dear Senator Fetterman,
Let me start by saying that I am a registered Republican and I did not vote for you when you ran against Dr. Oz. At that time I was concerned with your health challenges and I did not want to see you as my Senator, yet today, I am thankful that you won!
On December 12th of this year, you gave an interview with CNN regarding your approach to the confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks. I was so very proud of you as you stated you would speak with the candidates, make your evaluation of the candidates, and then cast your vote. In my opinion, your approach is reasoned and responsible and that approach is what I expect from my representative.
Thank you sir! My sincere hope is that your even-handedness becomes the norm in the Senate and House!
Your constituent,
Tom Monastra
Thoughts/ Comments?
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