Tipping Point

This blog is a continuation of a series exploring why and how I believe America can achieve honest change.

What will it take for us to come together to make changes?

The first, and most important ingredient is unity. Note that unity does not require unison. We can be united as nation and still disagree on issues. We must, however, subjugate what we want to the greater good of the country. This is what the founders of the United States of America intended when they constructed what was the most limited government on the planet at its birth.

I believe we are coming to a tipping point in our political culture. As the country has become more deeply divided, the government has become less effective. The relationship is undeniable. Confirmation hearings that before were perfunctory are now huge ordeals. Filibusters, which used to be utilized only in extreme situations, have become commonplace. Neither party will let the other have any chance at real reform, and each party has increasingly radical ideas on reform.

A lot of people--both in the media and in the general population--are bashing the "Religious Right" recently. The fact is that, in politics, for every action there seems to be an equal and opposite reaction. This law was proven by the founders of our country, as they reacted to the crown's tightening grip on the colonies by revolting. Today, as the bickering and personal conflicts increase in our own political culture, so do the reactions. Therefore, groups with more extreme ideas, like the "Religious Right," gain power when they are criticized and attacked. The fact is, like nearly every demographic, the "Religious Right" just wants what is best for the country.

Now, do not mistake me. I am not supporting the "Religious Right" or their ideas. I am merely offering an example of what happens when we have an angry, attacking attitude towards a group of people. The end result, nearly always, is that the group gains strength and support.

In this way we have prevented ourselves from effective government. As the Republicans and Democrats have ceased to work together and have become increasingly focused on only allowing their own ideas to advance in lawmaking, the amount of compromise has plummeted. The result is that the only laws that are passed are watered-down versions of reform that carry bloated special interest benefits.

I believe that Americans are--generally--good. In fact, I believe that all people are generally good, and want what's best for their country. But we, as a nation, have become so focused on winning that we have forgotten the principles on which the nation was founded. Our politicians are merely a reflection of this attitude. So before we go placing all the blame on our politicians, consider this: How many times have you or do you make inflammatory remarks that are in no way constructive to America's growth? Before you answer, let me give you some example of comments (all of which I have heard several times) that serve only to divide the country:

- "Of course I didn't vote for Bush. What am I, stupid?"
- "The Republicans are dishonest and corrupt. Recent scandals prove it."
- "Democrats don't understand foreign policy or the economy. They just raise taxes and talk about peace."
- "Republicans don't care about minorities or the poor. They just support big business."
- "The Democrats just want more government. They are a party of socialists."

During the 2004 election, one of my friends was working for the Democrats in Wisconsin. He was calling voters and telling them that Bush's tax plan included "the largest tax increase on the middle class in history." This is completely dishonest. The fact is that the Bush tax plan cut taxes for everyone. By twisting percentages and using strictly theoretical arguments, it was legal for him to make that claim, even though it was false. Sadly, he said he earned a lot of supporters with that one line.

I have no doubt that the Republicans are guilty of the same practice.

Instead of discussing issues, we have become a nation that argues over generalizations.
Instead of attempting to find common ground, our focus is on pointing out why the other party's ideas are so ridiculous. This will never lead to effective government. The result of this kind of thinking will be an increase in power for special interests and the wealthy, and an ever-decreasing amount of sway for the individual voter.

But America is getting fed-up. We are starting to recognize that the results just aren't coming as promised. And we are growing tired of the bickering. I believe we are at a tipping point, and when the pendulum swings toward unity, we must be ready to demand honest, wholesale reform.