BRATTLEBORO — I support a movement to grow and learn. I see the value in open and safe conversations to begin and continue this journey.
To create conversations in which people are included safely, we need to practice empathic and nonviolent communication. Through such communication, we can begin to understand the unresolved grief and shame from America's colonial and slavery history and the ongoing racism.
Though empathy and nonviolent communication may not heal all the wounds, it allows us to listen with less defensiveness.
I support empathic conversations with Bernie Sanders from people of color, like Curtiss Reed Jr., and I agree that Team Bernie could support more successful outcomes if they strive to let go of defensiveness (and offensiveness) and instead cultivate more awareness and empathy.