Staying Fit
Summary:
• Forums encourage people to listen to each other.
• Sign up for an “AARP Listens” forum in your area.
• Goal is to break through partisan bickering and foster consensus.
Imagine what might be accomplished in a world without political labels. No signs, no slogans, no slurs.
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That is the challenge for people participating in AARP-sponsored roundtables throughout Michigan this year. At these community conversations, people with diverse opinions and backgrounds discuss thorny issues such as state budget cuts and health care reform. By design, they meet over dinner in a friendly setting meant to transcend ideology and partisanship.
Andy Farmer, AARP Michigan associate director, organized the forums to combat the divisive, talking-points-driven discourse that made headlines last year during town hall meetings on health care reform.
“It was in reaction to all the craziness—there was so much distortion going on,” said Farmer. A few informal sessions last year provided the framework for “AARP Listens to Michigan.”
In Detroit recently, more than 20 people introduced themselves over turkey and mashed potatoes. As they munched on chocolate chip cookies, Farmer launched a mental exercise: Try to imagine a world without the Christmas holiday. “It’s hard, isn’t it?” he said as the group chuckled. “And what would happen if it were introduced into Congress today?”
“It wouldn’t pass!” “Too liberal!” “Too conservative!” people chimed in.
That was a perfect segue for Farmer, who brandished a worksheet titled “Politics versus People: Who’s Winning?”
“As we proceed, try to think about current issues without labels like left or right, liberal or conservative,” Farmer said. He urged them to instead consider public policy in the context of job history, cultural background, life experiences, recreational pursuits and personal wellness. “Think about how things affect you and what you need,” he said.
Sue Shirkey, 52, thinks budget cutting can only solve so much. “At some point you have to start looking at raising revenue,” the Detroit accountant said.
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