“The Olympics create a philosophy based on joy found in respect for ethical principles and the value brought by good example. Can we not mirror these ethics in our own political ‘games’? In short, there is more that unites us than divides us.” Sue McHugh

Dear Neighbor, 

The Olympic games bring a unique magic that captures our hearts and imaginations, drawing people from around the world to celebrate the best of human potential. The Olympics unite us in a shared celebration of achievement and a vibrant showcase of cultural diversity and unity. We love to see the different countries represented by their best, incorporating the three values of Olympism: excellence, respect, and friendship. These are the values the Olympics used to promote sport, culture, and education to create a better world. I want to spread that Olympic magic to us: Team USA.

The values of Olympism are to:

• Strive for excellence and encourage people to be their best.
• Demonstrate respect: towards the rules, your opponents, the environment, the public, and yourself.
• Celebrate friendship: The Olympic Games brings people together, setting rivalries aside.

Mirroring our presidential election cycle, the Olympic Games are held every four years. We look forward to the games with happy anticipation, unlike our election cycles of late that are more a source of trepidation than anticipation. The Olympics create a philosophy based on joy found in respect for ethical principles and the value brought by good example. Can we not mirror these ethics in our own political ‘games’?

In short, there is more that unites us than divides us.

Many of us are shocked by the misinformation underpinning our current political campaigns. We are mystified and disappointed by politicians who — on all sides of the aisle — meet each new assault with unproductive dogmatism. This trickles down to you and I, so that we then also react unproductively. When we favor what confirms our already-held beliefs and dismiss any information that goes against it, we leave no room for healthy debate. We leave no room for Olympic values of respect and excellence. The coming onslaught of campaign advertisements is sure to, again, create further deep political polarization. However, the conversations provoked by such divisive approaches may be able to open doors for us to create a more inclusive and participatory democracy.

Can we bring home those valuable lessons from the Olympics? Can we invoke team-thinking, rather than as individuals or political parties? Can we practice team-thinking that requires mutual respect and trust and opens possibilities to better solutions that work for everyone?

To play as a team, we need to play to our strengths and extend trust to others to do the same, not tear each other down.

Good sportsmanship reminds us that we should not be striving to win at all costs or as a result of unfair advantages. Can we, in our coming election season, develop an Olympian playbook? A better playbook calls on all parties to be open and willing to listen and understand. A better playbook will encourage us all to engage in authentic dialogue, not rumors and fables. Can a team playbook make us aware of our biases and work to counter them? Can we exercise team spirit by calling out double standards, and examining with respect who we criticize and who we allow to evade scrutiny?

For better or worse, this election season is here to remind us that we are all bound to each other. It has the potential to show us how we can mobilize and accomplish things we never imagined were possible.

The Olympic games help set the example of building a better world with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play, without discrimination. We love the Olympics because they represent the best of humanity—our drive for excellence and our capacity for unity. They remind us of what we can achieve together and inspire us to be our best. I therefore call on all of us, Team USA, to strive for better. Let’s embrace new ways to engage in our democracy, by listening and respecting one another.

If ever there was a moment to invest in our society and in each other, with productive, equity-focused conversations, this is it. All levels of politics can leverage inclusive engagement and listen for direction. Rather than accepting divisiveness, we can and should embrace the opportunity this important election will bring to create a more participatory form of democracy. Let’s embrace the spirit of the Olympics ~ with solidarity for a more productive and peaceful U.S.A.

“Dear Neighbor” authors are united in a belief that civility and passion can coexist. We believe curiosity and conversation make us a better community.

Sue McHugh