WILKES-BARRE — This space has often addressed the political discourse that exists in this country — and it seems to be getting worse every day.
But our political world can not sustain itself if it continues.
Simply put, we have to find a way to get along and resolve our differences in a manner that does not include constant arguing filled with the unmovable thought that both sides are always right.
Neither side can be correct about everything. Political parties should not dictate or demand that elected members always vote the way they are told.
It is safe to assume that if a candidate wins an election, they must possess the ability to think, reason, and form an opinion on their own. It is just plain wrong to have that ability and yet disregard what you, as an elected official, truly believe and know to be the right thing to do and then succumb to pressure from your party’s leadership.
We need to go back to the days when opposite opinions can — and should — be aired in a civil manner — and without fear of escalation or retribution.
Political discourse is one thing, but thanks to things like social media, voters no longer know what to believe.
Political campaigns these days feature candidates who are more concerned about telling us why we shouldn’t vote for their opponents, rather than telling us why we should vote for them.
Issues no longer drive the selection process — shock, untruths, and, yes, “fake news” is where we get our “information.” And those messages are usually funded by special interest groups with millions to spend to try to control outcomes and elect candidates that favor them.
There are events held every election cycle by well-intentioned groups where candidates gather, field questions, and share their stances, giving voters the opportunity to hear how each feels and then decide who they will support.
At these events, all the legislators can actually be in the same room and discuss issues, respond to questions, and explain how and why they support or oppose whatever issue is presented.
These forums prove that candidates are capable of disagreeing with each other without resorting to venomous attacks that are too often filled not just with disrespect and insult, but also with threats.
In today’s garden of cabbages and kings, we see few, if any, statesmen/stateswomen because we now live in an “us versus them” world.
On Friday, the Back Mountain Chamber held its annual Legislative Breakfast with state and federal legislators. Two major issues were discussed — data centers and the legalization of recreational marijuana.
The event attracted about 100 local business leaders, elected officials, and community members for an open forum on issues shaping the region.
Comprising the panel were: U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas; U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., R-Dallas Township; State Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township; State Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township; State Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Hanover Township; and State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre. Unable to attend were State Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, and State Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Pittston Township.
The conversation was informative, and the legislators had the opportunity to express their opinions on several issues, especially the two hottest topics.
And the key here is that all opinions were voiced and all were respected. Nobody lost their cool. Each legislator delivered their remarks in a calm and professional manner — and the attendees listened intently.
That is the way the political process is supposed to work.
When it was over, everyone was left with a good feeling about our elected legislators. And they got to see and hear them talk about what they believe in and why.
And then a very special moment happened.
Rep. Walsh, a Republican, stood up and asked the audience to stay in their seats for a few minutes.
Rep. Walsh then said this would be the last forum attended by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, a Democrat who decided not to run for reelection. Rep. Walsh noted that while he and Rep. Pashinski have not agreed on many issues, he said he respects what Pashinski has done for 20 years in the Legislature, and he commended him and thanked him for his service.
And then, Rep. Walsh requested Rep. Pashinski end the forum by singing “God Bless America.”
Pashinski rose from his chair, took the microphone, and sang the song — and the entire room sang along, many with tears in their eyes.
Pashinski said he was honored to be asked to sing the song, and he thanked Walsh for making the request and for the kind words.
Sandy Race, president of the Back Mountain Chamber Board of Directors, put it best.
“We all felt so good,” she said. “It showed mutual respect.
“The forum really did end on a high note.”