News
September 27, 2025
Ginnie Graham: Stay engaged to bring down the nation's temperature, says Sen. Lankford
Many Americans are tuning out and staying silent in this charged moment. That's a mistake, but it's also unproductive to be part of the shouting, says U.S. Sen. James Lankford.
Oklahoma Senator James Lankford believes that active participation, not passive silence or aggressive shouting, is the key to bridging the divides in today's polarized nation. In a recent address, Lankford urged Americans to stay engaged in constructive dialogue to "bring down the nation's temperature," acknowledging the widespread sense of fatigue and disengagement stemming from the current political climate.
The senator expressed concern that many citizens, overwhelmed by the constant barrage of negativity and disagreement, are choosing to withdraw from public discourse altogether. While understandable, Lankford argued that this silence only exacerbates the problem, allowing extreme voices to dominate the conversation and further entrench divisions. He emphasized that a healthy democracy relies on the active participation of its citizens, particularly during times of heightened tension.
However, Lankford was equally critical of the unproductive nature of shouting matches and online echo chambers. He cautioned against engaging in inflammatory rhetoric or simply reinforcing pre-existing biases within like-minded groups. Instead, he advocated for a more thoughtful and nuanced approach, one characterized by respectful listening, open-mindedness, and a willingness to understand differing perspectives.
"It's easy to get caught up in the shouting," Lankford stated. "But true progress comes from finding common ground and working together to address the challenges facing our communities and our country." He encouraged individuals to seek out opportunities for civil dialogue, whether through community forums, town hall meetings, or even conversations with friends and family members who hold different viewpoints.
Lankford's message resonated with many who feel alienated by the increasingly hostile political landscape. He acknowledged the difficulty of engaging in constructive conversations amidst such deep divisions but stressed the importance of persevering. By actively participating in thoughtful dialogue, Americans can move beyond the shouting and work towards a more unified and productive future, he believes. The Senator hopes his call for engagement will inspire more Americans to step forward and contribute to a more civil and understanding national conversation.
The senator expressed concern that many citizens, overwhelmed by the constant barrage of negativity and disagreement, are choosing to withdraw from public discourse altogether. While understandable, Lankford argued that this silence only exacerbates the problem, allowing extreme voices to dominate the conversation and further entrench divisions. He emphasized that a healthy democracy relies on the active participation of its citizens, particularly during times of heightened tension.
However, Lankford was equally critical of the unproductive nature of shouting matches and online echo chambers. He cautioned against engaging in inflammatory rhetoric or simply reinforcing pre-existing biases within like-minded groups. Instead, he advocated for a more thoughtful and nuanced approach, one characterized by respectful listening, open-mindedness, and a willingness to understand differing perspectives.
"It's easy to get caught up in the shouting," Lankford stated. "But true progress comes from finding common ground and working together to address the challenges facing our communities and our country." He encouraged individuals to seek out opportunities for civil dialogue, whether through community forums, town hall meetings, or even conversations with friends and family members who hold different viewpoints.
Lankford's message resonated with many who feel alienated by the increasingly hostile political landscape. He acknowledged the difficulty of engaging in constructive conversations amidst such deep divisions but stressed the importance of persevering. By actively participating in thoughtful dialogue, Americans can move beyond the shouting and work towards a more unified and productive future, he believes. The Senator hopes his call for engagement will inspire more Americans to step forward and contribute to a more civil and understanding national conversation.
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