OPINION: Five steps to sharing your Democratic values

I realize that through this column, and my position as KCDCC Chair, I am one of the lucky few Democrats with a platform to talk boldly about Democratic politics.

However, for the average Kootenai County Democrat, openly sharing your values can be scary.

In our neighborhoods, businesses, churches, and even driving down the street we are surrounded by not just disagreement, but open hostility. The average commuter frequently sees a crude admonition toward our sitting president — sometimes veiled as “Let’s Go Brandon,” but often it’s just a flying expletive.

The far right leverages fear effectively. If people don’t think it’s socially safe to talk about a topic, they won’t. Associate with a Democrat and you are now a Democrat: actual opinions be damned. This culture of unconditional anger toward the other side has come to define the Right’s approach to political conversations — agree or become a pariah.

This chilling effect leads to people shutting down politically. Life is easier in Kootenai County when you just check out.

Or is it?

Personal, civil conversations about our ideals do more than any other type of political advocacy to create a more perfect union. No column, social media post, or letter to the editor can replicate a good face-to-face interaction.

When done the right way, we can be skilled ambassadors for our political opinions and still enjoy great relationships with the people around us.

With the goal of connection in mind, here are five steps toward sharing your Democratic values.

First, read the room. There are some people who are stubbornly and angrily attached to their politics. To these people, their dedication to a political party is akin to a religion, and they are ready to defend the Republican God with guns drawn. When rage in any of its forms enters the room, it’s time to leave. Learn to understand when conversations are productive and when they are counter productive. Often, the wiser course is to live and let live.

However, you might be surprised by how many Kootenai County locals fall outside this category. Which leads me to step No. 2: put people above politics.

Do not go into political conversations armed to the teeth with your metaphorical weapons of intellect and reason. If your goal is to crowbar the crazy out of someone else’s perspectives, you are going to fail. Period. The Democrat’s goal in any conversation is to build a bridge of understanding — a more perfect union.

The preamble to the Democratic Party Platform reads, “America is an idea — one that has endured and evolved through war and depression, prevailed over fascism and communism, and radiated hope to far distant corners of the earth. … Our fates and fortunes are bound to rise and fall together. That even when we fall short of our highest ideals, we never stop trying to build a more perfect union.”

Government is designed for the people, and when it is done right, government is about people. And until you know about people, you can’t effectively talk about government. Get to know your neighbors outside from politics. Say a friendly hello every time you walk by. Take note of their needs, offer service, and consider the person above their political perspective.

Third, show respect and listen more than you talk. You might discover that you have a shared concern over regional growth, schools or preserving the environment. Often, we hold many values in common, even though our party affiliations differ.

Fourth, long, expletive-laced political rants on social media are about as effective as farts in the wind. It feels good to get our frustrations out, but they stink and just drive people away. Personal connection, with Democratic care for humanity as its hallmark, is the best way to create real change.

The Idaho Democratic Platform focuses on six key areas: education; economy; equity, justice and opportunity for all; quality accessible health care for every Idahoan; strengthening Democracy, Fighting Extremism, and Ending Corruption; and Protecting Our Natural Resources. At our core, Idaho Democrats care about people and the places we call home.

Finally, be brave. Being the change we want to see in the world takes courage. Take a deep breath, and open your mouth. You might be surprised at what happens.

Together, we can boldly be good neighbors, co-workers, friends and Democrats — all at the same time. It’s the only way we will create a more perfect union in Kootenai County.

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Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.