Bridging the Partisan Divide: Local group looking to reduce rancor
By Doug Roof
Bridging the Partisan Divide
Following the 2016 election, two friends, one a Republican and the other a Democrat, set out to bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. Their intent was never to attempt to change anybody’s mind; rather, the attempt would be to change our view of those holding political views different from our own.
Spirited argument has always been a part of the American political process. But the recent rancor from both sides is turning politics into a blood sport. Braver Angels appeals to those who believe we’ve gone too far. It’s not only grid-locking our legislatures, it’s ruining family holiday gatherings.
The mission of Braver Angels is based on the firm belief that we Americans of all stripes have more in common than we realize. To prove it, we only have to develop again the ability to civilly engage an opposing point of view. We have to become a little more curious and a little less certain. The goal is to attempt to understand why someone has an opposing view. In many cases, the two in dialog discover common ground - a place where both opinions can exist and nobody’s head will explode.
On the national level, Braver Angels has designed and hosted debates and other presentations of a variety of points of view. They have created several powerful workshops. They are actively working with members of Congress and have partnered with a number of like-minded organizations to reach a growing number of Americans. The programs they have developed for college classrooms are being adopted across the country.
Doug Roof and Tom Aspitarte have volunteered to become co-chairs of the Columbia Gorge Braver Angels Alliance. Geographically we are focused on Wasco and Hood River Counties in Oregon, and Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington.
We meet monthly. Upcoming meetings are November 7th at The Dalles Library, and December 5th via Zoom. Meetings run from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and are open to all. If you have questions, email droof@braverangels.org or taspitarte@braverangels.org.
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