Face-to-face talk about our future

“Let’s get together” is more than a line from a ‘70s song. It is a concept from which, sadly, we have strayed too far. No matter what the issue of the day, be it unions, immigration, federal deficit and budget, elections, public pensions, war, the environment; we can’t seem to come together to even discuss these issues with civility and reason.

A group of engaged citizens is starting DuPage Coffeehouse, where people of all political, economic, social, ethnic, racial and religious groups can come together and talk about our country and our world, face to face.

Why have face-to-face discussions? Because, if we only watch TV or listen to the radio, we just get one side of the story. If we spend time reading and commenting on Internet articles and blogs, we may get both sides, but quite often the comments are vitriolic, because they are anonymous. Animosity is difficult to express when you are looking across a table from someone and sharing a cup of coffee and a cookie.

The DuPage Coffeehouse discussions will take place at 213 S. Wheaton Avenue in Wheaton. The Two Thirteen Building is the new home for several not-for-profit organizations committed to improving the quality of life for all people.

Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 from 7-9 p.m. The topic will be us — can we expect economic security? We will have an open discussion of the factors affecting our own, our children’s, and our neighbor’s economic security at individual, local and national levels both now and in the future.

Please join our discussion and offer your opinions. Event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, visit us on Facebook, at www.dupagecoffeehouse.org or email.

Frank Goetz

Wheaton