The recent discussions on immigration and social justice advertised an open-minded discussion. Open-minded – to my mind, objective – means just that. Unfortunately, the first discussion, and I suspect the second as well (we did not attend as the one-sided loading of the session was readily apparent) were anything but. How can one have an “open-minded” discussion when the speakers have an extreme conflict of interest? The first “discussion” was actually a monologue from a Latino representing an immigrant rights group which solicits funds. The second speakers again were from a social justice group soliciting funds. In the Seattle Times 2/7/2016 article on homelessness by Danny Weastneat, a different  perspective was presented. It is this kind of evidence-based and rational information that needs to be presented in these so-called “open-minded” group meetings. From what I (we) have seen this community is great at touting its concerns for various issues, but falls very short at actually going into depth when it comes to counter-instinctive, outside the proverbial box and inconvenient aspects of those concerns.

It would be nice if the media and local community groups recognized their role in helping to shape our democratic society. I strongly believe one function of the media is to educate the public on contentious issues. Journalists like Danny Westneat and Ron Judd do a great job and seem to be truly open to other ideas (I have written them both; we have had good discussions and I have learned things). I challenge the Lopez Community to start being more amenable to other viewpoints, if nothing else but to help reduce the increasing polarity existing in this country/community today. Factual information can unite a community whereas misinformation can only divide.

Jack Pedigo

Lopez Island