Pledge for Politics
Begin with the great no. Stop taking sides.
Don’t believe what you are told by politicians or the media.
Do not accept the assumptions of the status quo (the right, middle, or left).
Do not expect political leaders to solve social problems.
Do not comply unthinkingly with rules or laws.
Don't assume that our present choices are a permanent fact.
Don't assume that needs can be satisfied by commodities.
Never humiliate anyone. (For example, using derogatory terms such as anti-vaxxer or Karen).
SolutionsListen deeply to views you don’t agree with.
Find the psychological and ethical causes of political difference (character, virtue, and will).
Instead of demanding change ask for empathy, contrition, reflection. Replace force with trust.
Address the full range of our interests (including relationship, autonomy, and beauty).
Address underlying causes first, then external needs. (The opposite of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.)
Respond at the level at which harm is being generated.
Find a way that changes assumptions, that all sides can agree with, that works at the heart level.
Create enough time in your life to engage in current affairs.
Use all of your resources: Time and talent, insight and intelligence, energy and passion.
Vote by what you actually do in your life.