Principles Before Party Roundtable

### Thoughtful Men. Honest Conversation. Principles Before Party.

Are you deeply concerned about what is happening in American politics—and finding fewer places where you can have an intelligent, honest conversation about it?

Perhaps you are a lifelong Democrat, an Independent, a Libertarian, or a traditional Republican who no longer recognizes what has happened to your party.
Perhaps you have watched the rise of the MAGA movement with increasing concern—not simply because you disagree with particular policies, but because you are troubled by what you see as an erosion of political ethics, respect for democratic institutions, constitutional principles, truth, accountability, civility, and basic standards of leadership.
And perhaps the people closest to you have simply had enough.
Your spouse or partner may have understandably decided to preserve their peace and no longer wants politics dominating conversations at home. Friends may avoid the subject altogether. Others may be so firmly entrenched in one political camp that meaningful conversation has become nearly impossible.

Yet you still need somewhere to talk about it.

We invite you to join if you:

• Follow current events and care about the future of the United States.
• Are deeply concerned about the MAGA movement and its influence on American political life.
• Can distinguish traditional conservative principles from MAGA politics.
• Value democracy, constitutional government and the rule of law.
• Believe personal character and ethics still matter in leadership.
• Prefer evidence and thoughtful analysis over conspiracy theories and internet outrage.
• Can disagree without becoming disagreeable.
• Are willing to listen—not merely wait for their turn to speak.
• Are capable of questioning their own assumptions.
• Appreciate history, context and nuance.
• Can admit when the other side occasionally has a point.
• Miss having substantive conversations with other thoughtful men.
• Would enjoy developing genuine friendships with men who care about these issues.

## Our Ground Rules

We want spirited conversation. We don't want hostility.
Members will be expected to:
Challenge ideas, not people.
Allow others to finish speaking.
Listen before responding.
Support factual claims in good faith.
Distinguish fact from opinion.
Avoid personal attacks and contempt.
Ask questions when you don't understand another man's position.
Be willing to criticize your own political side.
Recognize nuance where nuance exists.
Respect confidentiality when another member shares something personal.
We will not permit racism, antisemitism, religious bigotry, homophobia, threats, political violence, conspiracy-driven harassment or dehumanizing language toward other Americans.
Strong opinions are welcome.
Contempt is not.