Do you remember the Harry Nilsson song that goes, “Everybody’s talkin’ at me. I don’t hear a word they’re saying. Only the echoes of my mind.”?

Once again our country feels as divided as it was in the 1960s period, characterized by riots and assassinations. Rather than practice the Greek art of dialogue, people tend to shout, point fingers, and argue in what amounts to a dialogue of the deaf. As a result, we end up frustrated when we do not feel heard.

Nearly half of all American marriages end in divorce because we fall in love with our projection of an ideal mate rather than engage in the hard work of getting to know our partner. Employers place ads aiming to attract the ideal candidates for a job opening rather than take the time to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate in the context of the true job requirements.

Regardless of your perspective on the legitimacy of the 2020 election, Hunter Biden’s integrity, pro-life vs. pro-choice, or whether you lean Republican or Democrat, try to reach out to the other side and listen with the intent to understand their perspective, trusting that such an effort will ultimately strengthen, not weaken your position.

While I personally may retain a number of strong opinions, City Club stands for openness to all ideas. In keeping with our community tradition as a Securus Locus, we invite all opinions as we endeavor to listen to and learn from everyone.

The political season is upon us, whether we like it or not, and that means Boulder’s election season will be here by the time we come back from our summer vacations. Bob Yates and Aaron Brockett are running for Mayor and they are both kind enough to engage with us on July 18th and August 22nd (more on this later).

Please get beyond the echoes of your mind, become active, and help shape the future of the great City and Country we live in.

— Sina.