Finding common ground with SLO’s Braver Angels | Opinion
The politics of ‘AND’
Clive Pinder’s recent column about the “colonizers” of SLO County points out that “We need a politics of AND, not OR.”
Let’s recognize the values we share with our SLO County neighbors, regardless of political affiliation — things like affordable housing, strong families, clean air, clean water, good jobs and good schools. We likely agree on much more than we think; we don’t often talk through issues to find the common ground where “AND” is found. It’s more than prioritizing.
To get to AND we need to be able to work together; to listen to each other carefully and share our perspective honestly. Braver Angels is an organization that I think Mr. Pinder could get behind, because Braver Angels teaches skills and offers processes that can lead us to that common ground of AND rather than the prioritization of OR.
When we disagree, we disagree with respect for the other person and with humility for the process of working together. I invite you to check out Braver Angels at www.braverangels.org. We have a local alliance right here in SLO County. Sign up for free and receive an invitation to our next event. Let’s talk!
Kate Christensen, Co-chair
Braver Angels SLO
Hurray for civics!
I appreciate your publishing the op-ed “Is civics the new STEM?” in your June 6 edition. The decline in teaching civics in our schools is dangerous to the continuation of our form of government (democratic republic) in the U.S. The essay covered many important topics in the teaching of civics.
One I didn’t see mentioned is citizens needs to know our governmental structure and how it functions. A recent survey of adult Americans found that up to 60% of them don’t have an adequate grasp of the basic structure of government to pass the immigration test required to gain citizenship. Our schools rightly try to prepare students for meaningful work after graduation, but another basic role is to prepare students to be knowledgeable, informed and responsible citizens. This is essential for our democratic republic to thrive.
Dr. John Zinke
Cambria
What a great zoo
The fully accredited Central Coast Zoo in Atascadero is one of the sweetest visits for children in America. It was founded by a park ranger, Charles Paddock, over 70 years ago! His legacy continues to delight young and old visitors alike.
In order to widen it’s appeal to travelers, tourists and locals, I commend the City Council for its decision to rename it the Central Coast Zoo. The cost to maintain the zoo in recent times has risen to $ 750,000 and the city needs to reduce that annual burden. I hope readers in the county will take their children and grandchildren to visit the zoo and see the tiger, flamingos, red pandas and so much more! It is very inexpensive for a day visit.
Tom Zirk
McMinnville, Oregon
What makes us great
I can see our president, and the administration created around him, does not know why America is great. In fact, they are heading the wrong way, creating so much damage and hurt to our people, our country and the world.
America is great because we are very good at doing good. We take care of our communities. We use our resources, brains and strength to make better homes and roads, better cars and trucks, better health care, more food. Frankly, we have also made a mess along the way environmentally and culturally. We still are learning what was told to us in kindergarten; pick up your mess and don’t hurt each other. We are trying and have made some progress over the centuries.
There are countless flaws in how we are living, yet our spirits know good, and that will always exist. But our leaders are creating pain and damage to many so their vision of white-male uber-rich dominated country will be realized. =
Seeing people say no to Trump’s cruel and divisive behavior is that good in the human spirit that knows what is right. America is big. We have such variety of cultures that this county will never have simple solutions to our problems. We will struggle. But we have and can struggle together and help each other. It takes open minds and hearts, but the outcomes are bending toward good, not evil, and to happiness, not fear.
Scott Morris
Los Osos
This story was originally published June 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM.