Sedona AZ (February 22, 2017) – Differing opinions about public affairs are inevitable and potentially healthy in a democracy. But these days, our differences are perilously wide. We Americans seem as divided as we’ve ever been.
We argue heatedly over politicians, policies, and parties. We’re often astounded by others’ choices, so we assume they must be ignorant, stupid, selfish, or deluded. We wonder, “Where could they be coming from?”
We’ll find out on Thursday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sedona Public Library. A panel of four thoughtful, articulate, committed citizens will share the “roots” of their political opinions, in a “This I Believe” program sponsored by the League of Women Voters Greater Verde Valley and OLLI.
The panelists weren’t selected for their party affiliation–in fact, they’ve been asked not to refer to themselves as Republican, Democrat, independent, liberal, conservative, right, or left.
Instead, each will talk about the thoughts that lie underneath their opinions about particular current events–about the principles and personal experiences they refer to when deciding whether to support or oppose a specific proposal or a person running for office.
They will address fundamental questions, such as what values our community and country should uphold, what government is for, what citizens’ rights and responsibilities are, what opportunities and dangers deserve highest priority, etc.
Why? Because they believe Americans will honor each other more and collaborate better in coming years if they understand their neighbors’ essential beliefs. Their purpose is to build mutual understanding and respect among people who think differently.
The panelists will be:
Andrea Houchard, Ph.D. the Director of NAU’s Alliance Bank Business Outreach Center, who founded and led NAU’s Philosophy in the Public Interest program. She lives in Sedona and co-owns SPEX: Sedona Philosophy Experience, that combines philosophical exploration with tours of Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
Curt Ireland, a graduate of Carleton College and University of Michigan Law School, who was a trial lawyer in South Dakota for 40 years before moving to Cottonwood, where he taught history at Camp Verde Middle School and has been a highly-regarded facilitator of many OLLI classes.
Mike Schroeder, an entrepreneur who co-founded Consumer Satellite Systems, which launched the “big dish” satellite TV industry that today serves the 45+ million households that use DirecTV and DISH Network. He currently is a corporate board member, a pilot, a grandfather, a world traveler, and a Sedona resident.
Philip Terbell is Associate Broker at Century 21 Sexton Realty in Cottonwood. He hails originally from Iowa and has extensive experience in banking and real estate. He’s active with the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce and numerous other community activities.
Following the panelists’ contributions, audience members will emulate their exchange by discussing in small groups the roots of their own political beliefs.
Join them for a stimulating, awareness-expanding experience in civil dialogue that will enrich your understanding of and participation in the conversations that are rocking our country and require well-informed citizens. For more information, call Paul Friedman (928-282-1541), sedonapaul@gmail.com or Barbara Litrell (928- 649-0135) blitrell@aol.com.