Coming up in May in Berrien Springs will be a forum on civil public discourse. Put together by the League of Women Voters of Berrien and Cass Counties, the OutCenter, and the Three Oaks Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the event will feature a panel of local leaders and candidates, and a moderator from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. League of Women Voters President Marilyn Klawiter tells WSJM News many people these days seem to have forgotten how to disagree without being disagreeable.
“At the heart of our democracy, really, is healthy, vigorous discussion and debate, but it needs to be healthy and civil, and treated with respect by all parties,” Klawiter said.
Klawiter says you can find examples of uncivil discourse on social media.
“We fall back into the instant comment that is going to attract attention, but it is often that just stops the discussion rather than nourishing that discussion and carrying it forward.”
On hand for the May 15 discussion will be former state Representative Dave Pagel and current state Rep Aaron Miller. Everyone is welcome to come and talk civility. The event will be at the Berrien RESA Conference Center on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
