Purpose and format. This blog site is designed to be used in conjunction with the Facebook Page of David Treppendahl.  https://www.facebook.com/David.Treppendahl David has been using his Facebook page primarily to serve as a debate forum between people who disagree with the policies, statements and actions of President Trump and his administration. Well, while this has been interesting, but it has really not accomplished anything. We have some really serious problems in America and they can only be solved if we elect and empower political leaders with wisdom and character and an ability to convince enough Americans, from across the political spectrum to agree on what needs to be done to solve these problems and then stay the course.

Is this even possible? Or will politicians, social media and foreign adversaries keep us to divided that those on different sides of the political divide can never find consensus and choose leaders who will do what we agree must be done. If we can’t do this, then ultimately a dictator or oligarchy will take control of our government and implement draconian solutions. And we will lose our democracy in the process.

We can’t let that happen. We MUST FIND CONSENSUS.

To do that, we are going to have to stop defending stupid decisions and policies just because they are promoted by the leaders on our side. We need to look at issues from a big picture perspective with open and objective minds. And then find common ground and identify solutions that might work. If we do this, then we will be an example to others of what is possible. If our little group can’t do this, then there really is no hope. So let’s do it.

The first step is for everyone who wishes to participate to first complete the “Required Reading”. There are three short essays. You will find them in a dropdown menu at the top of this page.

There is a second dropdown menu where essays on various issues will be listed. Some I will write. Others I hope will be written by people who have supported President Trump. The essays are to be written with the objective in mind of finding common ground with people from across the political spectrum – keep ever in mind that We MUST FIND CONSENSUS.

Word limit: All points and counterpoints should be 700 words or less.

Rules for Participation. To keep the debates relevant and civil, a set of rules have been established, and participants must adhere to these rules.  Failure to do so will result in the offender being blocked from making further comments.