Our pilot project for StepTwo.org is about to stage it's third event. After another couple events we plan on taking this idea regional, then national. This article was just published in March 2009 edition of Madrona News:
by John Platt and Paul Butler, Owners, St. Clouds Restaurant
On Inauguration night we experimented with holding a "salon/caucus" evening at St. Clouds. We wanted to put a bit of effort into our democracy, while also enjoying the bonds forged over food and drink. The result was a thought provoking and expanding experience and so we have decided to continue the dialog with monthly "salons", open to any and all.
In March, our topic was "taxes". the conversation touched on the impacts of our national government cutting taxes while our state taxes increase. We talked about whether economic stimulus and fiscal responsibility can coexist, and what people feel responsible to pay for versus what they want to pay. We also urged people to avoid common, divisive labels such as "left" and "right" or "liberal" and "conservative", instead focusing on the problems and solutions, and finding Common Ground.
Paul and I want to underscore that we are a restaurant committed to the ideals of community and neighborhoods, and that this salon is an extension of that. So on April 7 once again we'll push the tables together to encourage conversation. Participants - including those who come specifically for the salon and unintentional diners who agree to join - will likely find themselves seated with folks they don't normally have dinner with.
We hope you'll include your family - every family ought to enjoy not only dinner together and each other's company, but also a chance to express perspectives, to listen and talk. This will be good, spirited fun. Note that the conversation goes on over dinner, throughout the night, not at some prescribed time. So come when it fits, and enjoy dinner. Reservations welcome, and bear in mind we'll be seating everyone at group tables. Of course, if you'd just like to have a regular St. Clouds Tuesday night dinner, that's fine, too - we are happy to accommodate all.
Much credit for the success of this community conversation model goes to StepTwo.org, in particular Karl Bischoff and Devin Liddell of Phinney Bischoff Design House. They hosted the original meeting that inspired us to partner with them to develop the salon into a model that other restaurants can replicate. We all firmly believe that citizens talking to each other is our road to a fuller and more satisfying democracy.
Let's carry forward President Obama's mantra that we are ONE country - with diverse ideas and diverse experiences, but united in our belief in democracy and America. See you soon at St. Clouds Salon. Contact us at 206.726.1522 or www.stclouds.com if you have questions.
