KTAR News: The Right to Disagree, A Special Roundtable Discussion
In an era of polarization and political violence, what does it mean to protect the freedom to debate, dissent and disagree, but in a civil manner? KTAR News hosted a special roundtable discussion on this topic in collaboration with Arizona Talks and ABC15.
“The Right to Disagree” brought together community leaders and experts for an honest conversation about the health of our democracy and the role civil discourse plays in sustaining a free society.
Through robust, fact-based dialogue, we examined whether the “marketplace of ideas” — once considered democracy’s greatest strength — can still function in today’s climate, and what it will take to rebuild a culture where differences are not only tolerated, but respected.
The Right to Disagree moderators
- Chris Merrill, KTAR News host
- Craig McKee, ABC15 anchor
Featured speakers
- Carlos Alfaro, founder and CEO of Arizona Talks
- Dr. Sybil Francis, chair, president and CEO at Center for the Future of Arizona
- William Gates, ASU Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory
- Jane Andersen, director for Mormon Women for Ethical Government
- Adrian Fontes, Arizona secretary of state
- Gina Swoboda, chair of the Arizona Republican Party
- Jeff Flake, former U.S. senator and ambassador. Founding director of Arizona State University’s Institute of Politics
- Stephen Richer, senior practice fellow in American democracy, Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation. Former Maricopa County recorder.
Watch full episode on KTAR News YouTube