Collegial discussion of hot topics

KENT — Twice each month on Thursdays, an open group gathers at the Kent Memorial Library to discuss current events. It is a diverse group, as diverse as the topics covered, and the discussion is both collegial and respectful.

The most recent session of what is titled, “In the News,” held on Thursday, April 6, proved to be an opportunity for area residents to exercise the promises of the First Amendment, gathering, freely expressing opinions, sharing personal experience to back up those opinions and debating information gleaned from press sources.

Begun on March 9, the series attracts a capacity group, usually about a dozen in the Reading Room. Moderator Rick Levy of Kent says they are not seeking growth in numbers at this point. Some of the same people come, but others do not come for each session, so newcomers fit right in.

Serving as moderator for each session, Levy is adept at steering the sequence of topics, keeping the flow going and helping to identify common ground where there is debate.

Diverse topics were considered at the April 6 session, including pickleball, which grabbed the interest of the group before the session even began. But then, pickleball has that effect on people.

Once the session was underway, topics included everything in the news, such as the effects of rhetoric on global public opinion, the recent indictment of Donald Trump,  NATO, the ethos of nations and underlying economic considerations.

Intolerance and white nationalism, book banning, open carry and the Wisconsin elections each came into the spotlight, along with educational standards, some topics suggested by the news and others by the participants themselves.

When asked what sources they rely on for news, after The Lakeville Journal, participants cited the New York Times, The Washington Post, television and radio, particularly NPR, and the Waterbury Republican-American.

The atmosphere established by Levy was easy. There was freedom to speak and equally important, freedom to listen and understand each other.

Registration is required for each session. To learn more or register, go to www.kla-bmcallister@biblio.org.