By Brandon Fey, Contributing Writer
On Monday, Sept. 19, The Eisenhower Institute (EI) at Gettysburg College held its “Rebuilding Trust In Government” forum in the Dining Center Atrium from 6-8 p.m. It featured a bipartisan panel of former U.S. Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and John Yarmuth (D-KY). This event initiated the EI’s annual Democracy Week, which aims to promote interest in American government around Constitution Day on Sept. 17.
The event was designed to address the current issues facing our government, particularly those of public distrust and political polarization. EI Executive Director Tracie Potts facilitated the conversation, prompting the guest speakers with questions about their experience in government and insights into the issues we are facing today. Questions were then opened to the audience both in person and online.
Congressman Yarmuth (Left) discussing with Congressman Goodlatte (Right). (Photo Brigid Goss/The Eisenhower Institute)
Congressman Goodlatte and Yarmuth conversed with one another on several topics, sharing personal anecdotes and even sparring on certain issues such as states’ rights. Both representatives sought to set an example of bipartisan dialogue and mutual respect despite their differences in values.
When asked to define democracy, both men emphasized the importance of citizen participation for maintaining a healthy and dynamic republic. Goodlatte said that fulfilling the Constitution is a step-by-step process with which the people must reconnect. Yarmuth similarly stated that the republic’s power resides within the people and that he now worries about our trajectory as a nation.
On political polarization, both representatives agreed that it has reached a point that threatens the future of our nation. Yarmuth, a former Republican himself, spoke about how political parties have discouraged free thinking among their representatives and have become too much of a personal identity. Goodlatte concurred, mentioning the unprecedented influence that social media has on people and how it discourages open discussion between those of differing opinions.
The two former representatives offered insights into how the current system can be amended to restore the governing emphasis on the people’s will, rather than party agendas. One of their most widely discussed topics was the efficacy that innovative state primaries have in selecting more moderate candidates from both parties. These included the rank-choice voting system in parts of Virginia and “jungle primaries” in Kentucky. Goodlatte encouraged political experimentation at the state level stating, “Let the states be laboratories of democracy.”
Students ask the panel questions. (Photo Brigid Goss/The Eisenhower Institute)
Both former congressmen also spoke on the importance of civics education for students beginning at an early age. They believe that an educated understanding of the workings of government will lead to greater public investment and cooperation regarding politics in the future.
By the time the event had concluded, the panelists remarked on the great amount on which they had agreed. They then challenged the audience to be willing to collaborate across party lines and engage in respectful and meaningful discourse with their fellow citizens.
Yarmuth ended the forum by encouraging the students of the audience to get involved in their local politics saying, “Government is the way we organize our responsibilities to one another.” Goodlatte agreed, “The country needs you.”
