Helping hands: Civic conversations empower all citizens

Given the toxicity of our current political environment, and the dysfunctional government that often results, it is time for us to embrace — or re-embrace — the truly revolutionary idea of a government “of, for, and by the people” — with a particular emphasis on “by the people.”

It often seems that only the loudest voices are heard; few of us believe that we could actually play an active role in setting the direction for our country. But for nearly five hours on a Saturday in September, during our annual celebration of Constitution Day, nearly 100 of our fellow citizens worked to change that.

Our Making Our Voices Heard Round-table participants wrestled with three questions: What values do Americans share? How could we make our political conversations more productive? How might the Bill of Rights be adapted for today?

Knowing the core values that most Americans share provides a foundation for policy. In fact, we found wide agreement on the Importance of Family; Safety & Security; Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness; Equal Justice and the Rule of Law; The Right to Privacy; Religious Freedom; Being Part of a Community.

The second question was more challenging, but several suggestions have potential: 1.) We need places to come together in person. 2.) We need to listen; to be curious; and to be respectful of a diversity of opinion. 3.) Perhaps more challenging: we need a way to ensure that everyone is working from a shared set of facts. (Perhaps a role for education?)

Thinking ahead: the definition of “press” in the First Amendment should include digital and social media. The Bill of Rights should include a right to privacy. The Second Amendment should be updated and clarified.

These were not questions with easy answers. But with a willingness to consider other perspectives, we discovered areas of common ground, and a place from which to move forward.

The Constitution remains the practical framework for how our democracy functions. But our leaders could not have anticipated everything, and they knew that important issues were being left for future generations to resolve. (Did you know that Thomas Jefferson believed the Constitution should be reconsidered once a generation?)

Perhaps the real value of our deliberations is to remind “we the people” that we have the ability to do this work. Perhaps a citizens’ Constitutional Convention in the near future?

Our deepest thanks to supporters, attendees, volunteers, WPSU Public Media, Centre County Commissioners, Happy Valley Adventure Tourism Board, Centre Foundation, and our new host: the Delta Middle/High (Democracy!) Schools in State College. A summary report will be at: www.constitutiondaycentre.org.

David Hutchinson is president of Constitution Day Centre and radio host of The Discomfort Zone, 90.7 FM, at 10 a.m. Thursdays.