By Alexandra Rozanski

It is rare to see two congressmen from opposing parties overall agree on the current problems facing the country..

Two former congressmen David A. Trott (R-Mich) and Peter H. Kostmayer (D-Pa) visited St. Bonaventure as part of the Congress to Campus program on Nov. 15, and surprisingly bounced off each other’s thoughts throughout the public forum discussion.

Kostmayer started off saying “I have no good news for this country”. This was a recurring theme throughout, with Trott emphasizing how recent political leaders exacerbated problems so badly that there is no solution to the divide in America today.

Kostmayer described elections as a combat sport, where players don’t view it in their interest for the other party to do well. According to Trott, It doesn’t help that social media and media itself have a financial interest that thrives off of further divisions. People aren’t even open to discussing fundamental issues, and Kostmayer agreed saying the problem lies within the attitude of the voters.

However, Kostmayer pointed out that America has always been a fragile contentious society that has never been a simple, easily unified, harmonious place. Both congressmen agreed that we have to be realistic, since a perfect society is not possible. Kostmayer even went as far as to say that “if we want that unity it could be a dangerous thing”.

Alexandra Rozanski was a student in Campaigns, Candidates and Current Elections, an honors course at St. Bonaventure University.

Categories: Jandoli Institute, Politics