While July 4th holiday celebrates America’s independence, the desire for free speech and exchange of ideas has often marched along with it.
That has been the focus an annual event in Batavia.
On Monday morning, the 19th annual “4th of July American Dialogue” was held at the City Council Chambers at 100 N. Island Ave.
Event organizer Roger Breisch, who also has served as the former head of the local Chamber of Commerce, said he approached the Batavia mayor two decades ago the program.
“I wanted to see if we could have this local dialogue on the 4th of July and discuss ideas — things people care about regarding their community and their country,” Breisch said. “When it started – we had 15 to 20 people and the last few years, it’s been only about a half dozen but we still enjoy it.”
Breisch said discussions have not centered on political parties but more on local history, issues, and how “as a country and a culture – we seem to have lost our way.”
“Over the years – the best outcome of this has been how people leave this and go on to become volunteers or members of the League of Women Voters,” he said. “Some of them don’t know the other people in the room and they get to know one another and the relationship blossoms into something else.”
Monday’s session, where participants talked about how social media has changed the political landscape because of increased political awareness, began with an informal coffee and bagels session. It was followed by an informal discussion in which participants sat in chairs. The group didn’t use tables..
“I believe tables set up a barrier, both literally and figuratively,” Breisch said.
Eight others joined Breisch in a circle discussion that began as he lit a candle in the center on the floor, saying that the practice “reminds us of when people would sit around the tribal fire.”
Terri Hoehne, of Batavia, said she wanted to see what happens at event.
“I want to listen and learn and see if there is a way we can be informed other than what you read about in the headlines,” Hoehne said. “My questions are about if democracy is working and what can we do to make it work better. I feel some things are missing and we’ve been falling apart in some areas.”
Geneva resident Molly Gurbal said she was a first time participant and described the concept of the American Dialogue as “intriguing.”
“Friendly discussion expands the mindset and challenges us to see things differently,” she said.
Richard Henders, of Batavia, said he has lived in the community for 30 years and that his only regret is “we didn’t move here sooner.”
“I feel other people’s thoughts and ideas are important and I’m here to listen,” Henders said. “Today in our nation – there seems to be divisiveness and anger, which I feel is an indication of passion, given the strength of these feelings. Keeping things on a dialogue level and how we discuss things can be meaningful.”
St. Charles resident Gary Leonard came along with his son, Eddie, who is currently on leave from the Air Force where he is stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. While Gary Leonard said he was there “to listen and hear others talk,” his son Eddie praised Batavia and said the discussion group “is the core of how we get things done.”
“People have to talk in order for there to be progress,” he said. “You have to do things with other people.”
Discussion Monday also was on how social media affects issues of democracy.
Mayor Jeffery Schielke admitted that “being a mayor is much more difficult than it was years ago because of all the logistical issues, social media, and other things.”
Some offered their first impressions of the community.
The Leonards were joined by Luke Glader of Minneapolis, who said he currently works for the Illinois Air National Guard. Glader said he was impressed with Batavia and with Illinois as a possible new residence.
“I love the community here and they’ve given me an awesome welcome,” he said. “If this is a sample of what things are like – I’m excited to live here.”
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for the Beacon-News.
