Hey, everyone, Steve Hayes with some big news from the dispatch. I want to tell you about

dispatch hoontoes. Dispatch what? Honto, though some people pronounce it Junto, is the name

Ben Franklin gave to the small gatherings he organized in Philadelphia taverns, starting in the 1720s.

Franklin's Hounthos, Spanish for assembly or council, consisted of 12 members, each of whom was required to pledge that he, quote, loved truth for the truth's sake, unquote, and that he was dedicated to personal growth for himself and improving his community.

These discussions at those junto meetings would contribute to the ideas that built our great country.

We launched dispatch hoontos without quite the same ambition, but with a deep conviction about the

need for a place where people can get together for civil and sane conversations about the issues

of the day, without the kind of nastiness and posturing that's so prevalent on social media

and elsewhere

in our polarized politics. The dispatch has hosted events across the country and I've attended

many of them. I've been blown away by the turnout and the enthusiasm. I've enjoyed having a

beer or two with our members at each of these gatherings, and I think the real value for them

has been the opportunity to meet one another.

I remember Nashville lingering at the bar at a great wing joint called Party Fowl,

with dispatch members after our hour-long program ended.

Our group talked for another hour at least, and they were so happy to have met one another,

nobody even noticed when I slipped out.

I can't tell you how many times I heard something like,

it's so great to be reminded that there are other sane normal people out here.

We're looking for dedicated dispatch members to organize regular meetups in their communities

at a local happy hour, restaurant, or coffee shop. We'll help promote and convene the group,

but you'll run your HUNTO your way.

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