In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, host Bob Gatty welcomes Dick Batchelor, a former Florida House Representative and influential business consultant with a 50-year career in public service. The discussion delves into the current divisiveness in American society, touching on political polarization, the impact of Donald Trump's presidency, and the challenges of achieving consensus in such a climate. Batchelor shares his experiences and insights from his long career, including his shift from supporting the Vietnam War to becoming an anti-war activist and his efforts in various civil and human rights commissions. The podcast covers strategies from Batchelor's book 'Building Bridges in Toxic Political Times, a Roadmap for Community Leaders,' aimed at finding common ground and fostering dialogue. Key strategies include prioritizing human aspects over politics, leveraging influence, effective communication, and creativity in addressing complex social issues. Batchelor also comments on contemporary political figures and the effects of pivotal Supreme Court decisions, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the role individuals play in bridging divides. 00:00 Welcome to Lean to the Left: Tackling Divisiveness in America 00:28 Introducing Dick Batchelor: A Life of Public Service 01:54 Exploring the Depths of Political Divisiveness 04:09 Finding Common Ground in a Polarized Society 08:33 Strategies for Bridging Divides: Dick Batchelor's Insights 21:17 The Power of Communication and Creativity in Conflict Resolution 29:26 Concluding Thoughts and Where to Find the Book