By Collin Ace, Editor-in-Chief  | City of Scofield, Sawyer County

Ripon College Vice President Ed Wingenbach led a special discussion titled, “Partisanship and Reason: Why Conservatives and Liberals Can’t Converse” on Monday afternoon in Bear Auditorium of Farr Hall.

The effects of partisanship on American society and focusing on the reasons for this trend and the future of our nation’s politics were several of the discussions main goals.

Wingenbach started by examining the evolutionary history of argumentation and how that led to the division of American politics. He also looked at how the two-party system is ingrained in the American political process.

One major theme consistent throughout the session was that of leadership and how leaders shape the course of partisan politics.

Conflict between Democrats and Republicans tend to overtake our politics and have leached into news media as well. This session focused on the overall effects it has on our society and the growing pressure on the democratic process.

The session concluded with an opportunity for citizens to ask questions and hold open discussion on political topics. Topics included third-parties, foreign party systems and the role of our generation in American government.

Education on the two-party system also functions to help shape policy here in the 51st State of Badger.