Opinion | Debates and dialogue must begin with honesty and respect
As we look ahead to the Nov. 5 general election, the business, labor, and government representatives of the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) are endorsing the plan to hold three debates between candidates for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. This plan has been put forth by the Michigan Debate Task Force.
These debates are an opportunity to set a different tone for Michigan politics, and we encourage each candidate to take this opportunity and responsibility seriously. Regardless of electoral outcomes, we are confident that debates and dialog rooted in honesty and respect will lead us to a more unified and prosperous future for everyone.
Mutual respect provides a foundation for civility and collaboration, which have always been at the heart of building this special region. They remain the keys to our future.
Why be civil? Because when discourse becomes personal and offensive, issues of real substance are forgotten, and real solutions cannot be reached. During this election season, we urge you to choose constructive dialog and make a personal commitment to invest your energy in the brightest future possible for southeast Michigan.
The Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) — southeast Michigan’s only group composed of leaders in business, labor, government and education who work cooperatively to address regional issues and serve as a catalyst for change — has already agreed to a few things that help us to sustain constructive dialog and relationships. We encourage you to join us in striving to uphold the following values:
We lead by example — Treat others with respect and practice pragmatic and collaborative engagement on issues promoting regional equity and sustainability, economic opportunity, and improved quality of life.
We communicate openly — Commit to practicing healthy dialogue and listening towards creating a common vision that values and embraces the perspectives of others and helps improve regional cooperation, progress, and understanding.
We enable and inspire — Inspire success and remove barriers by valuing inclusivity and diversity and finding opportunities to agree.
These are things we can each do to contribute to a more civil and constructive public discourse. The future of our region depends on it.
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