In this election season (which seems to get longer and longer each cycle) I have been thinking about all the stuff we hear from the candidates as they vie for our votes. As I reflect on the vast gulf that divides our country (frankly the views of the candidates are literally 180 degrees apart) it occurs to me that what makes our country unique or nearly unique, among the countries of the world is that we can have this kind of discussion every 2 years and still survive as a country.
Think about the places we read about in the Mideast as the "Arab Spring" unfolded. People rose up and demanded change and had to fight their governments to get it. And now, after that bloodshed, there are some of those countries discovering that they simply traded one tyrant for another. In our country, whether Obama wins re-election or a Republican takes over, the country will survive. There won't be riots in the streets and the Army won't be called out to put down rebellion.
I guess the miracle of Democracy is that when a people really embrace it, even when they don't get their way they can still live in peace. They may continue to try to convince the majority that their views or ideas are better, but it is done in the context of a discussion - not rebellion. Clearly in today's hyper-charged political environment the down side is that neither of the major parties have enough votes to advance their agenda. Both sides have enough to stop the other so literally very litte of substance is getting accomplished. However, eventually, that will change. People will tire of the bickering and choose a side that the majority thinks has the right ideas. This year may be that year. If the Republicans select a very conservative candidate to go up against a pretty liberal President there will be a clear choice. The role of the government is in the balance. Should the government lead the way in setting up programs that protect the weakest among us or should it play a role that minimizes interaction with people?
One side would have us believe that government is evil. The other side that government has to set the rules or else greed will rule. As in most things, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Unfortunately of late, we don't elect people in the middle.
Maybe this year?
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I am not as optimistic as you seem to be about this election and the aftermath. I fear if Obama is re-elected we may come close to a civil war. The right wing has been so rabid, i.e., The Tea Party, I don't see them going quietly away for four years. It is paramount that Congress be controlled by the Democrats if Obama is re-elected or our country will stagnate for four more years. I am doubtful our economy and government can survive that.
ReplyDeleteI particularly fear for Obama's safety. The laws that have been passed in the last four years regarding right to carry, immigration, voter ID, and Congress taking Healthcare to the Supreme Court indicate a volatile division in our ideologies.
I pray for our children and grandchildren's future. I truly believe it is at stake.