~One of the things that I admire about Obama, but that has garnered a great deal of criticism from others is his stated willingness to sit down and talk with just about anyone, rather than insisting that they meet certain criteria first. Critics argue that meeting with "enemies" gives them more credibility, but how can we ever resolve issues peacefully if we won't engage others in conversation?
~Turns out that Obama is right according to experts who should know.
1 comment:
trying to talk to resolve disagreements is good diplomatic policy. it is also good policy in other spheres of human life -- talking helps us move toward resolution, maybe in part because the process itself helps us establish common ground and our common humanity, and find the points that do not need to be at issue.
in my work life, i've always found that in-person meetings are a good thing, even in the hardest situations. sharing food and refreshments is important, too -- it is such a human thing to offer and to accept nourishment. that can't happen over the telephone, or by representatives -- not in the same way.
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