Crossing Party Lines: Sacramento, CA

Freedom of speech is one of the most cherished principles in American democracy, but how it plays out in today’s culture is the subject of much debate. Some see “cancel culture” as a threat to open expression and free exchange of ideas, while others view it as a form of accountability when words cause harm.

At this meeting, we’ll explore how freedom of expression intersects with social norms, accountability, and the changing ways people respond to public speech.

We’ll ask questions such as:

• What do you think freedom of speech was originally meant to protect, and how has that meaning evolved?
• Can you recall a time when someone being “cancelled” felt significant to you? What made that moment stand out?
• Have you or someone you know ever felt “cancelled” or silenced? What was that experience like?
• In what ways do you see cancel culture protecting people, and in what ways might it silence them?
• How should we balance an individual’s right to free expression with a community’s desire to hold people accountable?

Other Questions

• How do you think social media influences or distorts the boundaries of free speech?
• Would you like to see the limits of free speech expanded, narrowed, or defined differently?
• In your view, what do the words we choose reveal about our character, values, or intentions?

This will be an opportunity to engage with a range of perspectives and consider how freedom of speech, accountability, and culture influence our democracy, communities, and personal lives.

Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour.

We would love to hear your thoughts on our social media pages. Don't miss topic announcements, updates, news! Follow us on:

• Instagram @crossingpartylines
• Twitter @crosspartylines
• Facebook @crossingpartylines

The deployment of the National Guard into U.S. cities has been used in times of unrest, disaster, and emergency. Supporters often see it as a necessary step to restore order or protect communities, while critics worry it blurs the line between civilian life and military force.

At this meeting, we’ll explore the role of the National Guard in America’s urban centers and consider what it means for safety, democracy, and local control.

We’ll ask questions such as:

• In what situations, if any, do you think it’s appropriate to deploy the National Guard into cities?
• How does the presence of the Guard influence trust between citizens and government?
• Where do you personally draw the line between a situation that should be handled locally and one that warrants federal involvement?
• Under what circumstances, if any, do you think the National Guard should be federalized?
• How do you define the appropriate uses of the National Guard—should that include crime control, riots, or something else?
• How might Guard deployments shape how communities experience safety, freedom, and democracy?
• When you first heard the idea of the National Guard coming to our cities, what was your initial reaction, and what shaped it?

This will be an opportunity to consider multiple perspectives on the use of the National Guard in civilian spaces and to reflect on how we balance public safety and civil liberty.

Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour.

We would love to hear your thoughts on our social media pages. Don't miss topic announcements, updates, news! Follow us on:

• Instagram @crossingpartylines
• Twitter @crosspartylines
• Facebook @crossingpartylines

Money has always played a role in U.S. politics, but the influence of corporations and large donors continues to spark debate across the political spectrum. Some see corporate funding as a necessary part of political life and free expression, while others worry it distorts democracy by giving certain voices outsized influence.

At this meeting, we’ll explore the relationship between corporate America and political America, considering how money shapes elections, policy, and public trust.

We’ll ask questions such as:

• What role do you think corporations should play in funding political campaigns and causes?
• In what ways might corporate contributions strengthen democracy, and in what ways might they weaken it?
• How do you think political campaigns could be funded more fairly or effectively?
• Where have you noticed examples of corporate influence in politics, and what impact did they have?
• How does corporate involvement in politics affect your trust in government or elected officials?
• What kinds of limits, if any, do you think should exist on how corporations and organizations participate in politics?

This will be an opportunity to engage with different perspectives and consider how corporate money shapes the political landscape we all share.

Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour.

We would love to hear your thoughts on our social media pages. Don't miss topic announcements, updates, news! Follow us on:

• Instagram @crossingpartylines
• Twitter @crosspartylines
• Facebook @crossingpartylines

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