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For too many citizens and commentators, 2025 is a time of crisis.
Rising cynicism about higher education, alarming levels of polarization, and a striking decline of faith in our major institutions have all contributed to the feeling that the center will not hold, and that the future is one of extremism. Especially alarming is that discourse about civic ruptures, or the stability of the republic – once the preserve of talk radio, movies such as Alex Garland’s Civil War, and popular essays – has moved to peer-reviewed academic articles. Political scientists, sociologists, and other researchers now agree that the American experiment is not guaranteed, and that a red light is flashing above our constitutional democracy. To emphasize, these feelings are shared across the political spectrum by left and right.
Here in rural Texas, in Erath County: what is our response?
Our belief is that a simple and powerful act of humanity, even a civilizational gesture, is to engage in a community conversation.
Can liberals and conservatives, Republicans and Democrats, agree on far more than we think?
A shared perception of crisis is itself, perhaps, a foundation of consensus. But more specific areas of overlap include, as explored in our three mini-panels: a) the vital importance of civility and respect, especially in dialogue across difference that reflects shared values and even natural law assumptions; b) the supreme importance of the Constitution and the rule of law; and c) real-world and impactful health care solutions, on which some Trump Republicans align more with Democrats than with traditional Republicans).
Where are you on July 28? Join us at 6:00 pm at City Limits for light socializing, a delicious BBQ buffet, and stimulating conversation – and be the change you want to see!
Rising cynicism about higher education, alarming levels of polarization, and a striking decline of faith in our major institutions have all contributed to the feeling that the center will not hold, and that the future is one of extremism. Especially alarming is that discourse about civic ruptures, or the stability of the republic – once the preserve of talk radio, movies such as Alex Garland’s Civil War, and popular essays – has moved to peer-reviewed academic articles. Political scientists, sociologists, and other researchers now agree that the American experiment is not guaranteed, and that a red light is flashing above our constitutional democracy. To emphasize, these feelings are shared across the political spectrum by left and right.
Here in rural Texas, in Erath County: what is our response?
Our belief is that a simple and powerful act of humanity, even a civilizational gesture, is to engage in a community conversation.
Can liberals and conservatives, Republicans and Democrats, agree on far more than we think?
A shared perception of crisis is itself, perhaps, a foundation of consensus. But more specific areas of overlap include, as explored in our three mini-panels: a) the vital importance of civility and respect, especially in dialogue across difference that reflects shared values and even natural law assumptions; b) the supreme importance of the Constitution and the rule of law; and c) real-world and impactful health care solutions, on which some Trump Republicans align more with Democrats than with traditional Republicans).
Where are you on July 28? Join us at 6:00 pm at City Limits for light socializing, a delicious BBQ buffet, and stimulating conversation – and be the change you want to see!
