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Show Foru Listen, and learn, this political season A note from Kim Zarkin we do. Over the years, we have come to understand what underlies our individual belief systems. We respect each others opinions and we truly love to talk politics. Id like to think Ive influenced her to think more like me. And I know that talking her has given me a deeper understanding of the West and its politics. And in the end, we found that listening was the key to overcoming our differences and building a real relationship. We have to start listening to each other in this country if we are to survive the challenges we collectively face. As individuals or even as political parties, we cannot possibly have all the answers. But if we continue on this path of shouting instead of hearing, I fear for the WHSI Dr. Kim Zarkin Forum Adviser I live in Utah; I am not oF Utah. In fact, I joke with people that I dont live in Utah or even Salt Lake, but Sugar House. I live a few miles from campus and Im married to another Westminster professor. I dont have kids and I dont walk to church with my neighbors on Sunday. Overall, its a pretty insular world where I mostly talk to people who think a lot like me. In this, Im far from unique. Most Americans live their lives surrounded by people like them - people who reinforce their most fundamental beliefs about the world in which we live. So is it any surprise that we, as a nation, seem so divided? So unable to discuss politics rationally? I was raised in a home where politics, religion and money were considered not just polite, but required dinner conservation. Upon venturirig into the wider world, I was shocked that this was not so in other peoples homes. Shocked that I was now considered rude for talking about the things that were normal conversation to me. At 18, this puzzled me. At 38, 1 am still puzzled but mosdy resigned. Polite was never a description I longed for. 1 : future. So do everyone a favor in this political season and learn. Our lives may depend on it. zf America. I suspect that dissent infused my education in the same way that the pioneer ethic permeates Utah -we are taught what is closest. I had the American Revoradicals that began it. Utahans lution and the wild-eye- d have the pioneers and the notions of that rode along in the handcarts and covered wagons. Those inherited moments in American history seem "The sad is we, to me to almost predetermine much of our individual each worldviews. America, rarely My main interaction with people outside the Westan If minster community comes at the gym. I work out with belief, we women of varying ages, incomes and backgrounds. 'agree Being women, we talk while strength training to bad merely disagree' " remakes of pop songs. Sometimes, the talk turns to politics. Not often, and usually only involving those Kim Zarkin women with whom we feel comfortable. But the topic does come up. liberal bastion of the in Massachusetts, What I notice during those moments is how many Growing up I was raised to believe that dissent is the essence of of my workout companions freeze. While opinions fly around the circuit, some look like deer caught in oncoming headlights. They stay still and hope no one notices them. And I wonder about the fear I see in their eyes. Why are they afraid to argue? Why are they afraid iafcfC y urn Wcstmifrt.torfrvnxe- to talk politics? Staff, Fall 2008 Some, Im sure, dont want to be considered rude. Some, Im sure, are shocked by my rudeness. Still others dont want to disagree because it isnt lady-lik- e. And Editor: StafflVriters: find little me a Im sure some overwhelming in my conKara Anderson Jonny Bonner while And it viction. isnt really any business of mine Ashley Babbitt why they dont want to argue, I am still saddened. Production Manager: Tara Canham The sad truth is that we, in America, rarely talk to Gober Thomas Ashley Kaitlyn each other. If someone holds an opposite belief, we eiAnn Green ther agree to disagree or merely condemn and shout. Business Manager: Anne Howell Democrats think most conservative voters are deluded Karimzada or corrupt or bigoted. Republicans believe liberals are Zoey Lindsay Kavanagh Chad Labdon traitors, sodomites and baby killers. This is not a conAdviser: structive conversation. And sweeping everything under Kristin Lane the Kim Zarkin rug by merely agreeing to disagree accomplishes Jessica Smith less. even Krista Smith So why does this matter? It matters because we are in Brad Watkins this together. It matters because we have to find a true Zoey Karimzada middle ground on which we can coexist peacefully, not The Forum is published every other Tuesday. Its circulation is just a demilitarized zone to keep us separate. It matters additional free of is The first charge; 1,200 newspapers. because it is the only way to survive as a nation. copy copies may be purchased for 50 cents. We encourage students, One of my closest friends here in the Intermountain all faculty, staffand other readers to protide feedback. West is the daughter of an Idaho potato farmer who letters to Jonny Bonner at forumeditorwestminstercollege. considers herself a solid Western conservative. Since cdu. Only signed letters will be accepted. The Forum reserves the right to edit all submissions. Views expressed are those of conservatives usually dont like me and my big liberal the writers and are not to be considered those of The Forum, mouth, our friendship is surprising. It is also joyful beASWC, the faculty, staff or administration. cause we talk to one another about why we believe what self-sufficien- in truth that other. talk to someone holds opposite either to condemn and or shout. Forum E-m- ail VOLULME XL!!: ISSUE 3 4 cy - listen Contribute to The Forum If you have something to say, we'd love to hear from you. Send your letter to the editor or article to fommeditorwestminstercollege.edu. Campus Calendar 923 Diversity 8c International Center Open House, Shaw Student Leadership Open House, 4pm to 6pm, Center for Civic Engagement 924 Health Fair ARWC Talent Competition Call for volunteers, Center for Civic Engagement V-D- ay 925 Faith Fair 927 Wasatch Peak acent with Outdoor Recreation Club, 8 a.m. Email lrogers westminstcrco11cge.edu. 929 WestrninsterAmcrican Red Cross blood drive 1 03 104 All faculty meeting, 2-- 5 p.m. Fall Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m. Have an event you d like to see on the calendar? Email Kaitlyn Thomas at Jcrumeditorkdrajestminsterccllegc.edu veith your event detail |