For a number of weeks, we have witnessed an escalation of rhetorical and emotional reactivity on both sides over "what is best" for schoolchildren and families that is rapidly reaching a point of no return to any dialogue. The current course will only escalate, with each faction adding more followers and more logs to the fire.
There is another way that would not require a surrender of principles and core beliefs. There must be a dialogue between the leaders of the two factions, much like occurred in Durham a number of years ago. Two polar opposites (Ann Atwater and the head of the white supremacy council ) engaged in a process that ended in a successful resolution for all. Certain steps occurred. Each leader made an honest attempt to understand and respect the position of the other and was committed to doing whatever it took to produce a solution.
What a lesson it would be for the schoolchildren (and parents) of Wake County if they could witness a successful process of Chairman Ron Margiotta and the Rev. William Barber's meeting with a focus on doing whatever it takes to move forward.
