To the editor:

Much is being made of the successful pushback from the left during the recent election.

This has given hope to those of us who are deeply concerned about the direction of the country and its leadership.

But instead of feeling self-righteous, planting a stake in the ground, proclaiming “gained” territory and patting ourselves on the back for all the hard work, I hope that we face the much more difficult job of seeking conversations across the political divide.

Both sides tend to think this is all about President Trump or party politics. But it is not. Frankly, whether you see things from the left, the right or somewhere in between, we are in a time of course corrections and need to be able to listen to and hear — even as we disagree — points made from all sides.

Understanding where people are coming from, acknowledging their fears and hopes, and seeking to empathize (yes, empathy is constructive) will help foster conversations.

Katharine Preston

Essex