Alan Sherman testifies on independent thinking and civic respect

Okay, now it's time for something different.

My name is Alan Sherman, and I have been a New York City resident since 1961.

I have always had a strong interest in government and politics.

When people have asked me to run for office, I respond by always saying I run from office.

Over the years, I have witnessed many changes in our society.

One thing I have always valued is respect for people who think differently from us.

Unfortunately, that respect seems to be disappearing from our political culture.

Recently, I have become involved with various political campaigns, both Democrat and Republican.

In my view, it should not matter which party you're part of.

Too often, both parties have become more concerned with partisan politics than with working together to solve problems.

I encourage people to look beyond party labels and evaluate candidates based on who they are, what they stand for, and whether their proposals reflect their own beliefs and values.

I have registered many people to vote over the past few years.

I have discovered that many recently do not know how to research candidates or evaluate their positions on important issues.

I try to teach them that their responsibility does not end with registering to vote.

They must also take the time to learn about the candidates on both sides of issues.

And make informed decisions based on their own convictions, not simply their political party affiliation.

This is where civic education becomes so important.

Our school system must do a better job of teaching students how our government works, how elections function, and what it means to be an informed and responsible citizen.

Students should understand that they do not have to vote for every candidate from the same political party.

They can vote for a Democrat in one race and Republican in another race.

Neither party has all the answers.

Neither party is automatically right or wrong.

Our future is at risk if we allow our children to grow up believing that one political side is always good and the other is always bad.

Patients should encourage independent thinking, not indoctrination.

Students must learn to research issues, examine different perspectives, and ask questions and reach their own conclusions.

We are all human beings, and most of us want what is best for our communities.

We need to teach young people not only how the government operates, but also the role that they play in making it work.

Civics education, along with practical knowledge about everyday life, is essential to maintaining a healthy, informed, and vibrant society.

Educators have a responsibility to prevent different viewpoints fairly and encourage students to think critically.

Our classrooms should be places where students learn how to think, not what to think.

They should be equipped to examine political arguments independently and make up their own minds.

Finally, I believe the simplest and most effective way to improve our political climate is also one that most overlook, sitting down over a cup of coffee with someone you disagree with.

I have found that these conversations can lower the temperature, build mutual respect, and open the door to compromise.

We do not have to agree on everything to listen to one another or treat each other with dignity.

I urge the council to support a civic education curriculum that teaches independent

independent thinking, political awareness, respectful debate, and the value of compromise.

If we want a stronger democracy, we must teach the next generation how to participate in it responsibly.

That begins with education, open-mindedness, and willingness to listen, even when we disagree.

Thank you for your time and consideration.