America has always been about deliberation. People talk things out to come up with new and better ways.
But that has not worked so well lately. As we and the politicians who represent us become more polarized, the conversation has become less civil.
Local pastors, community leaders, the University of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal want to do something. During the last several months, much has been done to develop a plan to change the way we solve problems at home and in government.
Join us for a reception from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, at the Quaker Square Station, to hear how our community can be an example, and to send a message to the country that we want our leaders to start solving our problems in a manner that is respectful to one another — and to us.
As you think about the state of America Today, consider:
• Polls show that 87 percent of the people in this community are very likely or somewhat likely to vote for candidates who “pledge to be respectful and courteous in campaigns.”
• The Beacon Journal approached state and national representatives to ask whether they would be willing to discuss this community effort and how they could play a role. They either did not answer or said “no.”
Are you OK with that?
If you want to make a difference, join us for the reception Oct. 1. Reservations are required no later than Sept. 27, and may be made by going to the Heart to Heart Communications website, www.h2hc.org/ and clicking on the Swingstate Civility Drive link.
The reception is brought to you by:
• Pastor Mark Ford, the Love Akron Network.
• The Rev. Norm Douglas and Larry Vuillemin, Heart to Heart Communications.
• John Green, the Bliss Institute, the University of Akron.
• Crystal Jones, Akron Neighborhood Trust.
• Sue Lacy, Round River Consulting and America Speaks.
• Bruce Winges and Doug Oplinger, Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com.
• Dan Moulthrop and Daryl Rowland, the Civic Commons.