By Gabe Bullard
Louisville, KY – A panel discussion hosted by the University of Louisville on the tone of public discourse ended with recommendations for avoiding divisiveness.
Congressman John Yarmuth, outgoing Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson and political science professor Jasmine Farrier sat on the panel. They discussed a wide range of topics, including the potential for political rhetoric to inspire violence.
The group agreed that political violence and heated rhetoric is nothing new in America, but then said the increase in access to partisan media may make the situation worse. Farrier suggested the audience change the tone of the media by boycotting controversial hosts. Grayson added that news consumers should expand their horizons.
"Go to the other side, if you will, and read arguments in favor of a policy you think right now you don't agree with or against a policy you agree with. There are plenty of great sites out there."
The panel was convened after the shooting spree in Arizona. Six people were killed and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was seriously wounded. No one on the panel blamed violent rhetoric for the shooting.