Berrien County panel holds discussion on political discourse

BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich – The League of Women Voter’s held a panel discussion Wednesday evening on civil discourse.

The non-partisan group would like to stop the “breakdown of cultural norms” and return to political discourse that wasn’t so heated and personal.

“It’s troubling to see some of the national trends we are seeing as far as civility,” Former Michigan State Representative David Pagel said.

Panelists engaged the crowd and debated whether the current climate is because of national leaders, local leaders, social media or another reason.

“I think social media has brought us together more than it has driven us apart,” Former Michigan State Representative candidate Joey Andrews said.

Others on the panel and crowd disagreed with that thought.

“People put things on that they wouldn’t say to your face,” Former Michigan State Representative David Pagel said.

Those in attendance spoke about solutions including communication techniques and the importance of listening as well as speaking.

League of Women Voters of Berrien & Cass Counties President Marilyn Klawiter said she was pleased with the turn out and the quality of the discussion at Wednesday’s town hall.

“We hope we will be able to have more events in the future we have indications from some people already that they’re interested in having follow up discussions,” Klawiter said.