KCUR is part of StoryCorps' One Small Step initiative to bring together people of differing political opinions for real conversations. This is one we've chosen to highlight.
Kristin Chow and Kurt Wheeler met for the first time as part of StoryCorps' One Small Step. To get a better sense of where Wheeler's ideology stands, Chow asked a big question.
"When you think about the future what are you most scared of?" Chow asked.
"I'm most scared of us losing sight of our core values as a country," Wheeler said. "I'm scared of people feeling entitled to things that are not a right."
Wheeler, who is conservative, believes American society is turning towards a culture of entitlement and reliance on government.
Chow, who is progressive, disagrees, and thinks that America is threatened by selfishness and individual comfort.
"I'm actually afraid of hyperindividualism, that we will forget that it's community that sustains us," Chow said. "If one person is failing, then it's our responsibility to try to hold that person up."
Ron Jones is KCUR's director of community engagement.
Matthew Long-Middleton is a community producer for KCUR 89.3. Follow him on Twitter@MLMIndustries.
Cody Newill is an audience development specialist for KCUR 89.3. Follow him on Twitter@CodyNewill.
