I received this response after I posted some comments on a 'Beyond Polarization' dialogue project. What particularly struck me is the phrase 'prominent voices.' Who are they and how can we get them to speak out to overcome this polarization? Are prominent persons those in the public sphere who can speak out and hopefully be heard more readily than you or I? Are we part of that 'network' referred to in the second half of the lead in quote?
Two 'prominent' people who have made a good effort to use their positions in this way are Sen. Dale Schultz (Republican) and Sen. Tim Cullen (Democrat) who serve through the Wisconsin legislature in Madison. They offer an alternative vision for Wisconsin politics to that being represented at the Republican convention.
Wisconsin is on the national political map for having Gov. Scott Walker emerge as a Republican hero, Reince Priebus chairing the RNC and now, of course, Paul Ryan being the nominee for Vice-President. It may or may not be unprecedented, but it identifies Wisconsin as a state that is moving rapidly to the right and in a position to influence the national political reality. More 'balance' (a lot more) is needed.
Little known, I'm guessing, is the effort of these two Wisconsin state senators to actively construct a new kind of conversation that brings civil conversation to the fore. Schultz is from the Western part of the state and Cullen, who interestingly graduated from the same Janesville Craig High School as Paul Ryan. Craig is also the alma mater of recently defeated Senator Russ Feingold, perhaps the last of the 'old-time' liberals. I must visit Janesville sometime. And Priebus is 'just down the road' 71 miles from Janesville is Kenosha. All that 'prominence' from tiny southeast Wisconsin! Take that East and West coast! Whoops, forget that, "build bridges, cross aisles, don't stereotype." It's hard. But these guys are giving it a good shot.
Schultz and Cullen began about a year ago to put forth a bi-partisan image. They travelled the state having forums during which they acknowledged differences, but emphasized what kinds of things they could work together on for the citizens of the State of Wisconsin. This included issues dealing with the environment, health care, and especially the business environment and changing the direction of the economy.
The citizen response to them has been muted. Nevertheless, they continue to go public in a bi-partisan way and there are some indications that others in power positions are watching, listening, and perhaps moving a bit themselves to connect better with those who seem to be on opposite sides.
I think it's important that they hear from us that 'we want what they're having.' ( a play on "When Harry Met Sally")
Here is a link to a news story describing their recent activity.
http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/green_bay/both-sides-civility-in-government
By supporting these 'prominent' legislators in creating a third way, we can be part of a network of persons across the country who directly advocate for more of the 'Schultz-Cullen' dream. Identify potential partners in your local and state government and provide the 'Schultz-Cullen' model as a place to begin.
May the other guys from Janesville be as encouraging.
http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/green_bay/both-sides-civility-in-government
Email your supportive word to:
Dale Schultz: senatordaleschultz.com
Tim Cullen: legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/contact/
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