Braver Angels bring Dems and Reps Together

 

#48 September 11:  Yesterday I attended a Braver Angel workshop at the Galilee Center.  Braver Angels get their name from one of Lincoln’s speeches beseeching the “better angels of our nature” to give grace to each other.  Braver Angels gets equal numbers of folks leaning Democrat and Republican together to have a guided civil conversation around a topic.  There were “4 Reds and 4 Blues” and the facilitators and observers.  The topic was Trustworthy Elections.  It was amazing that at the end we had a set of values, concerns and solutions or policies that we all agreed with.  Of course, these folks were self-selecting and so were seeking “common ground.” It surprised me to learn that the “Reds” were concerned about the primary process and sought solutions to choose more moderate candidates and that losing candidates should not drive the outcome.  Both groups agreed on nonpartisan commissions drawing districts to combat gerrymandering, and exploring ways to both shorten the process with less money. If you are interested in civil discourse, I urge you to explore https://braverangels.org.  They are also partnering with the Carter Center (as in President Carter) to monitor next year’s election and make it safer and more secure. 9/10