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Oct. 4, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: We recently attended a college debate sponsored by the Building Bridges Club at VMI. This event was designed to demonstrate how people can discuss difficult and divisive issues in a respectful way. A majority of the participants were college students but there were also older members of the community present. The discussion regarding immigration was lively, informative and often personal. It was inspiring to hear young people sharing their perspectives and listening to each other.
As we struggle with important local and national issues, we citizens need the skills these students are learning and practicing. The quality of our public life can be elevated if enough of us move from hostile confrontation to problem solving and collaboration. Can we disagree while honoring our shared humanity and prioritizing the well-being of our community? Do we have the maturity to take this next step forward in our civic discourse? We can, if we will.
COLQUITT MEACHAM RUTH KITCHEN Lexington
