Former Politicians Find "Common Ground"
Belmont’s On Common Ground conversation series kicked off on Monday with a conversation between two former politicians on the rule of law and the future of politics in America.
The conversation was between former U.S. Attorney General and former dean of Belmont’s law school Alberto Gonzales and former Congressman Joe Kennedy III, with Belmont Global Honors professor Dr. Mary Ann Pethel moderating.
The title, "On Common Ground,” describes a desire to make civil disagreements possible, said Pethel. She said that Americans disagree on all major issues and disagree profoundly.
“The good news, democracy doesn't require us to agree on everything. It does require that we find enough common ground to keep talking, listening, showing up and ultimately to keep governing ourselves together,” she said.
Gonzales and Kennedy found common ground by discussing the next generation’s role in American society and politics.
“If we're frustrated because Congress has failed to do anything about immigration, well, it's our fault. Force Congress to do something about it. That's your job,” said Gonzales.
Kennedy agreed. The next generation has the option to live with policymakers’ decision, he said, or they can step up and work to change the status quo.
And students will need to step up eventually, they both said. The current administration won’t last forever, and students are the future of America.
“We're going to need the next generation to step up. All of you in this audience, you represent that next generation of leadership,” said Gonzales.
Students should get a good education, he continued. They should work hard, understand their core values and figure out who they are.
“You all are going to be on this world, inheriting this country and this planet longer than the two of us will,” Kennedy said.
He challenged students to get out into the world, discover what they’re passionate about, why they want to do what they want to do and build community while doing it.
"There's a lot of different ways to build community, which I think is by far the most important thing that we need to do at this moment,” Kennedy said. “You don't have to be a politician to do that.”
Freshman Campbell Webb said her biggest takeaway from the event was the responsibility that the next generation bears.
“It's really up to us. On how we proceed in the future, especially politically. If we don't get out and vote, if we don't get out and advocate for what we want to change, then nothing's going to change,” said Webb.
“And it doesn't necessarily need to be something that’s political. It can be something that starts in our home and our city,” she said.
Written by Olivia Abernathy
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