In letters: SLO resident is recruiting ‘angels’ to help bridge our partisan divide | Opinion
Calling all angels
Recent polls show most Americans feel our country is more divided than ever, often seeing those with opposing political views as not just wrong, but bad.
This growing polarization is worsened by the “bubbles” we live in — limited exposure to opposing views and news that confirms our biases. We don’t need to give up our values, but we must learn to listen to those with different perspectives. This requires skills to engage in meaningful conversations with those we disagree with, not to win or “own” the other side, but simply to understand, and be understood.
Braver Angels (www.braverangels.org) is a national organization dedicated to bridging the partisan divide. We bring together people across the political spectrum — red, blue, and purple — to build trust, clarify disagreements and find common ground. Our goal isn’t to change minds or push an agenda but to deeply understand each other. We believe civility is essential — even attractive.
A Braver Angels chapter in SLO county is just getting off the ground, but we need more people to join us, especially those leaning red. If you’re interested in helping depolarize America and fostering constructive dialogue, email me at cstevens@braverangels.org. Together, we can make a real impact.
Calvin Stevens
San Luis Obispo
Lesson for drivers
“Cheers” to holidays means planning ahead if drinking. A responsible driver can get folded like a pretzel after being hit by a drunken one.
A drunken driver hit me in 1992 when I was 16. Years of medical care and therapy in San Jose, San Ramon, Stockton and Tracy followed. I have problems hearing, talking and walking. After 30+ years, I have adapted to this depressing change.
Taking Highway 1 to go to and from a holiday party? Do not let your night of drinking turn into a nightmare: don’t drive drunk. Before celebrating, make sure you have a sober driver to take you home.
If tapped to be the designated driver, do not drink alcohol. Take that role seriously. Happy holidays.
Lori Martin
Tracy
Person of the Year
Donald Trump is the ideal choice to be named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year.” He is the only American president to orchestrate an attempted coup that injured over 100 police officers, five of whom who later died as a result of the violence. He is the lone president who falsely claimed that an election was rigged. He is the only one to be convicted of a felony. In fact, he is a 34-time felon.
And he is the only president to be found liable for sexual abuse. Trump joins the elite field of other autocrats who had been named “Person of the Year.” The exclusive “club” also includes totalitarian leaders Adolf Hitler (1938), Josef Stalin (1939 and 1942), Nikita Khrushchev (1957), and Ayatollah Khomeini (1979). More recently, Trump’s ally, Vladimir Putin (2007), made the team.
Jim Huchthausen
Nipomo
Get your Irish on
Tickets are on sale now for a remarkable St. Patrick’s Day event that blends Irish culture with community support. Rotary de Tolosa is hosting its annual fundraising concert on Sunday, March 16, at the Performing Arts Center featuring Michael Londra, the Emmy-nominated lead tenor from Riverdance.
Londra’s performance is part of his tour for the PBS show Ireland with Michael LIVE. The evening will showcase the beauty of Irish music, a live band, and traditional dancers, offering a heartfelt celebration of Ireland’s rich culture. Proceeds will benefit youth-focused charities in our region and Rotary’s global humanitarian efforts.
Tickets range from $40 to $80 and can be purchased through the Performing Arts Center’s at pacslo.org or their ticket office. This event not only promises a fun experience but also represents an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our young people.
Plan to join the fun, and consider this a great gift for a loved one this holiday! Together we will celebrate Irish heritage while supporting meaningful causes close to home. Learn more about Rotary at rotary.org.
Mary Verdin
Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa