As host to this weekend’s Kansas Dialogue, the communities of Piqua and Iola put their best foot forward. THE RIOTS in Ferguson, Mo., were a long time in coming, residents there said in the aftermath of the shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teen. For too long it seems elected officials and law enforcement representatives have preferred to suppress rather than address complaints by African Americans. Accusations of racial profiling proliferate against blacks.
More than 100 participants from across the state made their way here for the three-day event.
They delighted in touring the Buster Keaton museum Friday evening in Piqua as well as learning about the history of the farming community and Piqua’s magnificent St. Martin’s Catholic Church.
On Saturday, participants met at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center before breaking for afternoon trolley tours of Iola. Dinner was at the Allen County Country Club followed by a private screening of a Buster Keaton silent movie in the Bowlus’ main auditorium. Sunday’s wrap-up was back at the country club.
Kudos to Shelia and Don Lampe of Piqua and Susan Raines and Mary Martin, current and previous directors, respectively, of the Bowlus, for doing an excellent job of promoting their communities and facilities.
All expressed enthusiasm, and sometimes surprise, by how “alive” Iola appears. Our downtown retail, restaurants and commitment to preserving the area’s history impressed them.
Sometimes an outsider’s perspective is the sharpest.
The purpose of Kansas Dialogue is to foster communication among Kansans. All discussions are “off the record,” allowing for free-flowing talk without fear they will be recorded for perhaps other purposes.
The result was a healthy exchange of opinions and ideas. Listening exercises were performed. More than once, participants expressed a desire their elected officials would participate in such forums. Too often, the masses feel their elected representatives are not attuned to their concerns.
A result is withdrawal. A them-versus-us mentality.
At the last local election in Ferguson, only 12 percent of registered voters participated.
The disconnect between Ferguson officials and residents is a lesson for every family, every community.
Effective dialogue is a two-way street. Talking and listening.
The latter draws the bigger response.
— Susan Lynn
Listening key to good dialogue
