We are a conversation turned book club turned dinner party. Because politics is not a hobby but a reality. We invite you to join the conversation our lawmakers are having about us. It’s easier with friends.
Our mission is to encourage people to talk politics, know politics, change politics.
What We Do
We read books that shed light on political issues. We talk about them over dinner. Our blog is a place to share insights and encouragement.
The late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis said, “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” We inspire each other to “get in good trouble.”
Politicians enact policies. Policies impact human rights, access to healthcare, earning power, education, public safety and more. Policies are a reflection of us- our history, our systems of government, our values.
It can be complicated, boring, overwhelming and nauseating. And when we leave the conversation we put our lives at risk. The belief that all politicians are the same keeps us disengaged, and keeps us from talking about what matters. We invite you to stay awake, keep thinking, and keep caring about each other.
What We Read
We read books that inform and influence. We avoid books that misinform and spread “alternative facts.”
“Alternative facts” was a phrase coined by Trump senior advisor Kelly Anne Conway in a 2017 press interview. She used this to defend false statements made by press secretary Sean Spicer. Alternative facts are misinformation. Misinformation differs from political spin and opinions.
Misinformation is just what it sounds like. It’s false and inaccurate, and it’s delivered with the intention to deceive.
Political spin is a reality of playing the political game. Politicians adjust their messaging to different audiences. Political spin attempts to influence or control communication so that it’s seen through a preferred lens. Political spin is biased, but it’s not necessarily misinformation. It can walk a fine line.
An opinion is a point of view. It may be informed by several sources of information or not. An opinion is always biased.
Bias is unavoidable. The members of this book club are biased and so are you 😊 Conversation, not agreement is what brings us together.