Gopal & O’Scanlon Host Ending Divisiveness Wednesday Panel
14th Annual King Celebration Aims To Combat Negativity & Adversity
Senators Vin Gopal [D-11] and Declan O’Scanlon [R-13] will host Ending Divisiveness Without Abandoning Principles, a panel discussion that will address public discourse and politics during the 14th Annual Celebration Event of the Life and Work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, being held 7:30 pm Wednesday at Congregation Torat El [301 Monmouth Rd].
The moderated discussion will explore ways to counter the growing negativity, adversity and divisiveness in our country today that threaten the elemental bonds that unite citizens as Americans and on which the concept of American nationhood is based, organizers said.
While acknowledging the need for spirited campaigns based on ideas and positions on issues, Gopal and O’Scanlon will explore steps that can be made to enable communication and cooperation across party lines after the votes are counted and the task of responsible governance begins.
The conversation will also cover a range of other topics, such as constraints concerning opposition research, the impact on democracy when political differences intensify to the point that dialogue and cooperation cannot occur, and the feasibility of a pledge to refrain from promoting or encouraging divisiveness.
The celebratory event also features musical performances, presentations on related topics, and the re-enactment of King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. A dessert buffet reception will be held following the program.
The free program is sponsored by a B’nai Sholom/Beth El Foundation grant. Event participants include SecondBaptist Church of Long Branch, Living Word Christian Fellowship of Neptune, The Covenant Church of Long Branch and the Martin Luther King Memorial Guild of Greater Long Branch – who joined with Congregation Torat El to form the Partnership for Progress and Growth, a joint non-profit venture that seeks to apply King’s teachings for the betterment of community.
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