It takes courage to disagree. It takes wisdom and foresight to maintain an environment of equality in which all perspectives can be considered. The path to truth has never been an easy one. It certainly has never been one based on expediency. The expedient solution to conflict is to exterminate all those with whom you disagree. The goal here is not to love, or even to understand, but to destroy your enemies. That has been the prevailing value system on your planet throughout its history. The democratic approach is a brave new experiment. It says, “let all voices be heard.” It welcomes diversity and has faith in the essential worth of individual human beings. It asks you to love, respect, and learn from your opponents. It assumes that the human heart and mind is deep and wide enough to contain all these perspectives. It trusts in your open-mindedness. Indeed, it entrusts its entire success on your ability to consider different points of view and, when appropriate, change your mind.

Paul Ferrini