Boogie Ben's Guide to bridge the Political Divide

Authored by: Boogie Ben

Category, Ben's Quotes + Aphorisms

In 1727, Ben Franklin, the talented networker, formed the Leather Apron Club, dubbed the Junto. The Club was made up of tradesmen, artisans, and young working men to discuss issues of the day, debate philosophical topics, and share schemes for self-improvement.  
Ben set the tone for constructive and civil dialogue by requiring each participant to follow defined guidelines and pledge an unpretentious approach, following basic rules of engagement.

​Today, Boogie Ben, following Franklin's format, updated the rules and created an approach to encourage democratic debate, and cool down todays heated political discussions. As Franklin advised, following these Guidelines, may allow for more open sharing of political opinions and should help bridge the current political divide. 

​Guideline #1 
​Political/Social/Religious, Conversations 

​Taking Boogie Ben's advice, when any 2 or more people enter into a Political, Social or Religious conservation, always remember, before any dialog begins each person should agree to these terms by stating them out loud to each other.
Discussing differing opinions is healthy for our Democracy, and as American as our rights to free speech, ... take the following pledge:
 
During this discussion I will control my emotions, my remarks will be guarded,
​and I will follow the G-R-I-T, rule:

• G - goodwill for all mankind - I generally possess goodwill toward all mankind, regardless of race, religion, profession, or political affiliation.
• R – respect for one and other - I will always show respect for any one or group of participants.
• I - immunity, freedom to speak your mind - people should never be criticized because of their opinions.
• T - truth - I will always pursue what I believe is truth, truth for its own sake and look for facts to support that truth. Keep in mind, both parties may not agree what that truth. 

Guideline #2
​​Arrive at the truth by asking questions

Ben always taught his friends to pursue topics through soft Socratic quires, arrive at true, by asking questions. Hold your discussions without fondness of dispute or desire for victory.

• Boogie Ben’s curiosity techniques, how Ben pushed his ideas through suggestions and questions:
  • How does that work?
  • Why do you feel so strongly about that...?
  • How do you feel that will help?
  • How can we all benefit from that?
•  Use youthful inquisitiveness, how and why, to avoid contradicting people in a manner that could offend.​

Guideline #3
Use your ears more that your tongue

Ben believed you learn more with your ears
that you do with your tongue.
 
 Use silence wisely, employ an indirect style of persuasion, and manufactured modesty. “When another asserted something that I thought an error, I denied myself the pleasure of contradicting him.” Instead, he would agree in parts and suggest his differences only indirectly