Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt is founding minister of the Tree of Life Interfaith Temple in Amherst. She lives in Nashua.

I’ll keep the picture I took close as a symbol of what democracy can look like at its best. A memory of a great experiment of inclusion, the dream our founding fathers laid out in our Constitution and is exemplified by the Statue of Liberty – that it is possible to hold the tensions of diversity within the greater framework of our unity as Americans.

But as Benjamin Franklin reminded us, in response to being asked about the type of government being established by the Constitution, “A republic,” he said, “if you can keep it.” On election day, I had a glimpse into how it just might be possible to keep it.

I was holding a sign for Democrats at my voting location and found myself right next to a group of red signs. “Ummm,” I thought, “time to practice what I preach,” so I introduced myself. Cautiously, they reciprocated. Then, in an extempore moment, I asked, “Would one of you mind taking a picture with me? I think, after all, this is what America is all about.” A brief pause of silence as they glanced at one another and then a man said, “Sure.” And so, we did.

Throughout the day, the conversation went back and forth between us. They shared why they supported Trump. I shared why I could not. One woman proudly said she’d been at the Capital on Jan. 6. I shared what a scary time that had been for me especially seeing all the violence, destruction, the Confederate flag being flown inside, and the hanging noose with shouts of, “Hang Mike Pence!” all as Trump watched. They blamed Nancy Pelosi.

Finally, we were able to agree that we did live in very different news bubbles and therefore had largely arrived at different beliefs and narratives about a number of issues. Though we clearly disagreed, the exchanges continued to be amicable. I could also hear the man, with whom I’d taken the picture, talking to a passerby about his life saying how his job and health had collapsed under Biden. I could sense his deep anger and frustration.

At one point, a couple of young women arrived all dressed out in flag outfits that were, quite honestly, pretty amazing and someone asked me to take a picture of the group. After, I said, “Great outfits!”

“Well, at least you’re cordial,” said one of the women, glancing at me dismissively with an air of distrust. “Most of you just call us trash.” A little later they left in a truck flying huge Trump flags. I thought, “I hope I gave them a glimpse into the “you” they may have thought I was and that, just maybe, they could see not everyone thinks of them as trash.”

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By noontime, one of the women in the group asked, “Hey, would you like a chicken wing? We have plenty.” She shared how she often makes food for the meals at her church, and we went on to talk more about our perspective churches and activities.

When it was time to go, I went over to the man with whom I’d taken the picture. I reached out to shake his hand and said, “I enjoyed being with you today. Take good care.” He looked like he didn’t know quite what to do but said quietly, “Thank you.”

I realize the coalition of supporters who ushered in Trump’s return to office is multifaceted. Some, particularly Christian nationalists and proponents of Project 2025, would prefer not to keep our republic but, rather, have us become a theocracy based on their interpretation of scripture. There are those who don’t necessarily even believe democracy is the most efficient form of governance, actually preferring a more autocratic type of leadership. And then I suspect there are many like the man with whom I took the picture who believe it was the current administration’s policies that had caused all their current hardships and struggles.

Still, I, being wholly committed to our great democratic experiment, will continue to practice welcoming all into conversation when the opportunity arises. And it is, indeed, a practice to look beyond religious affiliation, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, all variations of diversity, in search of the unity that lives in our common humanity – the unity that makes it possible not just to see one another as Americans but also as brothers and sisters.

I realize not everyone wants or can do this. No matter. That will not change what I do. As Project 2025 begins to be implemented, I will keep a vigilant lookout for all who feel squeezed by imposed governmental regulations and religious ideologies. I will practice welcoming any person feeling disenfranchised to be seen and heard.

Sometimes the most challenging times offer the greatest opportunities. I like to think this is a time not to fight against, but rather for, the unity that can only be recognized in our common humanity. If we can do this, who knows? We just might be able to keep our great republic after all.