s are social beings dependent on each other for survival. Without dialogue we cannot fulfill our basic need to share our wants, needs, and fears.True dialogue in this nation has been hampered by partisan dogma and political correctness, which in turn, suppresses the frank and open exchange of ideas. Many people withhold their inner thoughts on many subjects because of the fear instilled by political correctness. People fear being judged for what they say. A single mistake in phrasing can cost a person his reputation, career or even possibly his life. Plato spent much time contemplating the world around him. He spent much of his lifetime teaching and taking part in dialogues. Dogma to Plato had no place in dialogue; he arduously searched for truth. He along with Socrates suffered greatly for their questioning of the status quo in Athenian society. Socrates paid with his life for his social criticism. Yet, they have gone down in history as great thinkers. Our nation now faces a crisis. We as a nation need to decide what to do with a not so perfect President. Much dialogue is needed for us as a nation to arrive at a consensus on whether his offences are serious crimes that deserve impeachment and removal from office or amount to nothing more than minor misdemeanors. The path we choose will pave our future for generations to come. In order for our nation to go forward, grow, and heal, we need to look beyond our personal and political boundaries and encourage free and open dialogue. We need to look beyond the agenda of the individual or the good of the party and concentrate on what's best for the nation. We have long avoided truly free and honest dialogue in this nation. It is time to shed our complacency turn off our televisions and listen to each other....
