We need to get our Hearts right!

We need to guard ourselves against dehumanizing those with whom we disagree. It sickens our spirit and it sickens our nation. Democracy requires great heart and a determination to ensure that all voices are heard. Our strength is in our ability to have open dialogue and respectful dialogue that leads to solutions to societal needs.
No matter what side of the political spectrum you may fall, take care not to dehumanize others. Don't generalize and stereotype. Focus your attention on policies, behavior and actions that you support. It's tempting to be outraged and poke at the most outrageous. But that just shuts people off from listening to reason.
It's easy to get swept up in emotion and generalizations. Some find it fun to be snarky and spout quick shutdowns. It happens on all sides but I am most concerned about it coming from the leader of this country. It's unseemly and it's destructive to the values of a democracy.
We see this leader trying to shut down the press crying "fake news" when it's a story he doesn't like.
We see this leader dehumanizing any politician that isn't supporting whatever he wants.
We see this leader decimating the USDA with a sudden move from DC and firing any scientists that won't agree to go.
Early in his administration he limited access to scientific information held by the government concerning climate change.
He dehumanizes asylum seekers and immigrants in general.
He dehumanizes women in general and most especially women of color.
He pulls out of international agreements and alienates our allies.
He avoids working with congress - even in cabinet positions that remain "acting" appointments.
This president and the party he leads work to limit a full and open democracy. It is a slippery slope that began the day President Obama was elected as they determined that no matter what he tried to do, they would be against it. This president just broadened the approached to include anyone and everyone that doesn't agree with him - citizens, politicians, justice system, FBI, CIA, the press, institutions.....
The biggest argument I hear for why it's ok to overlook these things is that the economy is good, unemployment is low and the stock market is up. Then why do we need to shut up anyone who is pointing out those being left behind? Why dehumanize anyone when we are doing well and could lift them up too? Why limit access to data about issues we could be addressing with this great economy?
Are we selling our national soul, our democratic values, for a dollar?
We need to get our hearts right! We need broader context. That requires all voices with informed and careful deliberation of facts. The greater the emotional response to an issue, the longer we should take to research it. READ!