Why do Democrats and Republicans see things so differently?

6:30pm to 10:00pm, Episcopal Church of Sts. Barnabas and Matthew, Hallowell, Maine

If you are a Democrat, why?

If you are a Republican, why?

If you are neither, why?

If you are concerned about the growing political divide, why do you think it’s happening?

These are just some of the questions we will take up at the Make Shift Coffee House.

According to the Pew Research Center, “Republicans and Democrats are more divided along ideological lines – and partisan antipathy is deeper and more extensive – than at any point in the last two decades……and these divisions are greatest among those who are the most engaged and active in the political process.” See the Political Polarization in the American Public and several other articles on political polarization here.

That’s what the experts say. Come to the Make Shift Coffee House to see what your neighbors say.

Why do you see things the way you do? Do YOU find yourself with less and less tolerance for “the other side?” Why do YOU think that the country is so divided? How did we get this way? Will it get worse? What would it take for the divide to get smaller; for us to become more politically aligned?

Come share your views. Listen to some music. Have some food. Understand where others are coming from.

Live Music from Jenny Van West and Ed DesJardins

Learn about Jenny here.

Format

6:30 pm      Live Music. Coffee, tea, snacks. Table chit chat.

7:30 pm      Group Conversation

9:00 pm      Live music. Coffee, tea, snacks. Chit chat.

10:00 pm    End

Click here to learn about the Make Shift Coffee House culture and why understanding each other is so useful.

This Make Shift Coffee House will be moderated by Craig Freshley of Good Group Decisions. A professional meeting facilitator, Craig will manage a civil exchange of ideas as a neutral third party. It’s not about judging right or wrong or good or bad, it’s about understanding each others’ perspectives.