Examine opportunities for civility to politics
I was heartened to see your editorial "Persistent threats based on political beliefs disrupt the tolerance that makes democracy work." I never thought I'd see an America where vocal extremists threaten public officials or call in bomb threats to libraries as an expression of their political beliefs.
Yale political science professors Shapiro and Francis have commented, "Politicians know that to get the necessary votes to be elected, voters can't be in the center of the spectrum but rather on extreme ends."
In addition, a fragmented media landscape allows us to choose our information sources; Citizens United unleashed unlimited special interest money to sway our opinions and elections; social media is a breeding ground for outrage and disrespect; and policy discussions are reduced to sound bites rather than substance.
There is a counter to brute partisanship. Political reforms such as top-five open primaries and ranked choice voting bring greater focus on moderate candidates and common-ground policies that represent majority views. Katherine Gehl and Michael Porter's book, Why Competition in the Politics Industry is Failing America: A Strategy for Reinvigorating our Democracy, has inspiring solutions to these problems.
In addition, there are many groups working to bridge the partisan divide such as Braver Angels, the Millennial Action Project, Common Ground Committee, More in Common US and the Problem Solvers Caucus.
State Rep. Michelle Mussman is holding a upcoming nonpartisan Intergenerational Community Conversation at the Schaumburg Township District Library at 6 p.m. on Sept 28. The event, guided by Teach Different "aims to empower individuals of all backgrounds and ages to share their unique insights and stories, and foster a community which appreciates different perspectives."
I truly believe when we are willing to listen and engage with each other's views, we discover more in common, and together we can realize needed political reforms.
Donna Limper
Bloomingdale