Politics in America has always been something that ignites the passion in us. From the late 18th Century on, our issues, disagreements and rhetoric have provided quotes that our children and grandchildren read in their history books.
Sadly, as we saw this weekend, it can also bring out the worst in us. No matter what party we support, what issues we espouse or what idealism we embrace, political conversations have recently dissolved into something we are not proud of.
On July 24, the St. Cloud Chamber will host Politics in the Barn at Osceola Heritage Park. We advertise it as “Florida Politics the way you like it… informative and fun.”
Your Chamber offers this event as a way to get to know your candidates, what they stand for and who they are.
As we saw this weekend, and have seen in our past, political discussions that leave no room for disagreement can lead to disastrous effect and sets a disgraceful standard that our next generation may see as a model.
Therefore, at the 2024 Politics in the Barn, your Chamber will stress: For our candidates: please approach this as it was intended nearly 250 years ago—to be a place where issues can be discussed appropriately and respectfully. We don’t care what you think about your opponent. We want to hear from you; your ideas, your hopes and what you can do to improve our homes and lives.
For our attendees: It is one of our most sacred American rights to disagree with the opposition. In this country we encourage spirited debate. What sets us apart is coming together after disagreement to work for the betterment of our community.
We invite you to enjoy the evening and even disagree, but let it all stay within reason and understanding that we all love living here.
To be clear, Politics in the Barn will be respectful, informative and a great community gathering.
We’ve seen the worst; let’s aim for so, so much higher.
Dirk Webb is the President and CEO of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce.
