Sunday, August 23, 2009
A few new Voices would be nice
Luanne Traud
Recent columns
- Marking a difficult anniversary
- My daughter, the voter
- A rush to legislate
- An elementary problem with SOLs
From the RoundTable blog
If you had happened to wander through Garst Mill Park Saturday evening a week ago, you might have spotted a congenial group at the picnic shelter noshing on a delicious spread.
You would have noticed a few things about them (particularly, that the dogs in attendance were extremely well behaved) and might have drawn this conclusion: The group seemed to be enjoying each other's company, probably because they shared much in common.
You would be partially correct in your observation.
The commonality of their appearance -- to put it gently, they are all white and on the diminishing side of middle age -- would suggest a homogeneity that belies the diversity of their minds. The group was formed exactly because of their differences.
The gathering at Garst Mill was the first time that members of our Voices of the Valleys had a chance to meet in the physical sense. They've been gathering online every day now since January, talking about smoking in public, drinking at 21, qualities of a good parent, how the state should fix the transportation mess, what constitutes torture, allowing gays to serve openly in the military, prayers in public forums, computer hackers, health care, cell phones, SOLs, Salem superiority and what book to pack in the beach bag. Those are just some of the weekly topic assignments. By midweek, they've veered off into whatever strikes them as a worthwhile debate: Michael Vick, Fair Tax, electric cars, utility bills, abandoned animals.
They are a lively bunch of about 50 or 60 so members. Some pop by briefly with an answer to the topic and then leave until the next week. Others drop in sporadically when time permits or a subject piques their interest. Others are constants, applauding views they agree with, pushing for more information from those they disagree with. And even, on occasion, changing their minds.
It's been a collegial group that is more interested in a civil debate that informs their views than the dogmatic screaming that so often hijacks the public square. Which isn't to say that sometimes participants won't tote out the knee-jerk "left" and "right" tactic, but they are usually put in their place.
If anything, members of the Voices panel push each other to think beyond labels and talking points.
A few months into the venture, one engaging participant, Gibson Brown, wrote a post that I found spot-on:
"It is intriguing to be among so many teachers, professors, captains, professionals and smart people from all walks of life. Post a comment, go about our day-to-day routine, then check back in for feedback or to read a new post or two. When one sees that the Lord Supreme of VT chemistry, the 'Book of History' from VWCC, and/or the rest of our prolific panel have taken the time to address concerns of anyone posting sincere opinions or beliefs, it is awesome. The good Lord knows it would be too costly to hire this panel and pay true worth per hour, and this panel lives it, not just sounds off about it as a reporter or columnist must. These people are America ... willing to donate lifetime accrued knowledge and beliefs with the intent of helping others see their particular educated version of 'the light' so to speak. ... I am honored to be among all of you in this arena, and many things I considered 'the truth' when I started, have been modified by keeping an open mind. Thank heaven I like oatmeal and cream of wheat."
It was only natural that friendships, even among ideological foes, would form and that they'd want to meet. Unfortunately, finding an agreeable date was as difficult as finding common ground on health care reform. Only about half of those who wished to come to the picnic were able on Saturday.
I'm happy to report that no blood or tears were shed and that they wish to gather again.
With a group so diverse in thought, there is a unity in one request they often make of me: Find us some Voices who are different from ours.
We have a few younger adults but not nearly enough. We have not one person of color. The few times panelists have engaged in discussions about race relations, they've been frustrated by their own narrow experiences.
The voices don't reflect all the viewpoints of the valleys. They know it and would welcome new members.
If you think Voices of the Valleys might appeal to you, check it out.
Go to www.roanoke.com/voices. Join in as a guest. They'll be more than happy to debate with you. If you then wish to join in as an official Voice, send me an e-mail and I'll help you get started.
Traud is a member of The Roanoke Times editorial board.
