Paul Schickler at the Des Moines Register:
It is my experience that finding common ground — and doing so with civility — creates unity. Long before I transitioned from leading one of the world’s largest plant genetics companies to mentoring start-ups, it was clear that agriculture brought people around the table who perhaps would not ordinarily break bread together. Even when we vigorously disagreed, we still listened and learned from each other because of our common purpose to ensure an accessible and sustainable food supply. For far too long, it has been hard to imagine our elected officials sharing a common purpose. Yet, in June the Senate passed a $250 billion bipartisan technology and manufacturing bill and the bipartisan infrastructure plan hangs quite literally in the balance. The renewed ability to come together is good news for our country and something most Americans want to see more of.