Readings in overcoming political tribalism — #2: With Honor (withhonor.org)

I just learned this morning (thanks to NPR) about what strikes me as a brilliant initiative for countering polarization and tribalism: an organization created by, and for, military veterans in late 2017 whose mission is “to elect principled next-generation veterans to office who will work in a cross-partisan way to create a more effective and less polarized government.”

It’s based on noticing that “partisanship in Washington is near a record high, while veteran representation in Congress is near a historic low.” The assumption is that military veterans make better politicians because they are attuned to service, respect, and teamwork.

With Honor started backing selected “next-generation veterans” running for public office in small numbers some months ago, and aims to expand its efforts over the next several years. Candidates who want With Honor’s support take “The Pledge” to put principles before politics” by agreeing to: (1) “speak the truth and prioritize the public interest”; (2) “focus on solving problems and work to bring civility to politics”; and (3) “defend the rights of all Americans and have the courage to collaborate across the aisle and find common ground.” This pledge also “includes a commitment to meet with someone from another party at least once a month and sponsor legislation with a member of another party at least once a year.”

I don’t recognize any of the names on the Executive Team. Rye Barcott is the co-founder and CEO, and may be who sleepy me heard interviewed on NPR this morning. However, the list of Advisors is chock full of impressive reassuring names.

I’ve lapsed lately in posting readings about overcoming excessive tribalism. This isn’t exactly a reading, but it’s one of the best practical ideas I’ve come across. So I hasten to share it, with hope it spreads and succeeds. To learn more, go here:
https://www.withhonor.org/