BRATTLEBORO-As ideological silos deepen and the partisan divide in the U.S. continues to grow, many Americans - regardless of political affiliation - are feeling the impact of economic policies like DOGE cuts and tariffs. This shared reality presents an opportunity: Can we use our common concerns to bridge the toxic polarization that threatens our democracy?
That's the central question guiding the next America 250 Town Hall on Wednesday, May 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St.
It will be led by "Constitutional Wrangler" Meg Mott, who holds a doctorate in philosophy from University of Massachusetts Amherst. This free gathering will explore how learning to disagree well can guide us toward common action.
America began with an armed revolution, she states. According to the Declaration of Independence, if the people were not happy with their government it was their right to "alter and abolish it." But armed rebellion is a messy path for political reform. Surely, there must be another way to change the government without taking up arms.
"In 1963, John Lewis envisioned a nonviolent revolution that would achieve the ends of freedom and liberty without violence, " wrote Mott in a news release. "In this 'unfinished revolution,' current enemies are seen as future friends. Black and white, men and women, rich and poor, he argued, must learn to work together for their mutual benefit."
This Town Hall will consider the theory and practice of Lewis's unfinished revolution. Discussion will consider the philosophical principles of Gandhi's satyagraha, as well as the deep practices of nonviolent direct action. "Instead of projecting our fears on each other," Mott said, "the practices of nonviolence make it possible for people who disagree to work side by side."
She continued, "At the heart of the 1776 Declaration is a bold assumption: The people have the capacity to form a government that, in the words of the Declaration, 'seems most likely to affect [our] Safety and Happiness.'" She pointed out that 'Most likely' is an important element; "Self-government is a dynamic process. We have to talk with each other as we determine how best to affect our need for safety, our desire for freedom, and our responsibility to fellow citizens."
Building on the America 250 theme ''Examining American Identity and Leadership in a Changing World," Windham World Affairs Council - partnering with Brooks Memorial Library, Vermont Independent Media (publisher of The Commons), and Vermont Humanities - seeks to stimulate public dialogue leading up to the U.S. Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026.
The WWAC series focuses on the founding ideals in the Declaration of Independence - equality, liberty, safety, and happiness - and how those ideals can guide us in strengthening our democracy at a time when the urge to demonize our opponents is on the rise. Background materials for the Town Hall discussions can be found at windhamworldaffairscouncil.org.
Registration is appreciated at 250townhall.eventbrite.com. A Zoom link can be found upon registering for those unable to attend in person. Contact Susan Healy at windhamworldaffairscouncil@gmail.com for more information.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.