“Is it fair to all concerned” is the second line of the Rotary Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do. But how do we know if something is truly “fair” to all concerned? I ran into this dilemma recently with someone who didn’t think something controversial was “fair” to all concerned. To some, not hearing something they don’t agree with IS a “fair” action. But I think hearing something, even if you don’t agree with it, and listening to it with a “fair” mind is the better approach. I also agree that it’s “fair” to hear both sides of a controversial topic and then make up your own mind once you’ve heard both sides.

 

I love that our Club host these debates. I may not always agree with one candidate, but I will listen to them with a “fair” and open mind. There have been several programs over the years when I didn’t agree with the Speaker’s viewpoint but I appreciate hearing the program to gain perspective from a different point of view than my own. I also appreciate that our program committee tries to give us a good balance of different types of programs over the course of a Rotary year.

 

So if you hear a program that you don’t agree with or think is not “fair”, we welcome your feedback, thus the survey monkey after each speaker. We also welcome program ideas to balance out our program year, so please do feel free to reach out to the program committee with program ideas.

 

And thank you for listening to these debates and programs with a “fair” and open mind.