Listen to dissenters

I’ve been captivated by news coverage of the Thai soccer team that was trapped in a dark cave under unimaginable circumstances. They were discovered by two English divers and eventually saved by Thai rescuers and international helpers. I join the world and celebrate the 13 lives that were saved.

Contrast this faith-in-humanityrestored story with the July 10 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article, “School-shooting panel skipping input from political groups,” where I was dismayed to learn the panel, led by chair Sen. Missy Irvin, disallowed the state’s chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America to speak. I join other Arkansans and question the actions of the panel whose job is to develop suggestions to help save lives.

I feel certain the panel sincerely wants to improve student safety, but it’s difficult to understand how limiting ideas helps in developing the best solutions. Consider the Thai rescue; while developing the rescue plan the Thai military allowed some experts to share that it was potentially too risky to dive the children out. Thai officials proceeded with a dive rescue anyway but allowed the dissenting opinion to be heard.

In our democracy where freedom of speech and civic participation are essential, it seems inappropriate to not listen to all stakeholders. I applaud Sen. Alan Clark, who said the group should have presented even though he likely would have disagreed. I also agree with Sen. Joyce Elliott, who shared concern that the committee reached its conclusions before hearing from all sides. Exactly!

The panel members should not be afraid to listen to dissenting views. It will likely improve their recommendations. If we are at the point where certain government leaders are unwilling to consider all sides then maybe it’s time to elect new officials that will at least listen.

LESLIE BIAGIONI

Little Rock