Today we had a wonderful Occupy. It was our 34th consecutive week.

We had the return of Brandon, our devoted veteran who was busy with a tough schedule in school even as he took care of his family. We had a very good crowd as well as a very positive response from the community.

Of course the major discussion was on Mitt Romney’s selection of Paul Ryan as his vice presidential candidate. As you might imagine no one had anything positive to say about Paul Ryan. Most rightfully believe his economic policy would destroy the middle class.

Of interest is a small business owner driving his big truck and trailer that shouted out that we needed to all get a job. We approached the truck and he was still a bit belligerent with us. I asked him to park and just come out and talk to us.

Interesting enough when we were packing up, his truck pulled up and he said he wanted to talk. I spoke to Ted for about 20 minutes but I told him I needed to leave to go do the radio show and gave him a card.

That afternoon I went to Starbucks to get some work done. My cell phone rang and it was Ted. He was not a convert but he wanted to continue the dialog because he saw the merit of talking and not just shouting past one another.

Folks, this is the first step. It is important for those viewed as the opposition to first see you as a person and not some other caricature. That is when dialogue, common ground, and sometimes conversion and compromise can occur.

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