(Dis) Unity
It troubles me when I read or hear that someone has critized the president for his perceived failure to unite the country and congress.
How can a man unite a people and a congress that hold so many intractable positions? We hold so many that considering them is like looking at a ‘buffet line’ of religious and political beliefs. I will take a helping of ‘church and state separation’ and some of that ‘tax relief’, please. Some beliefs should ‘NEVER’ be compromised; I have a few of my own but they can be discussed.
What troubles me is that we simply cannot discuss our positions rationally and without emotional attachment. Our heartfelt beliefs are so dear to us that whenever someone dare express an opinion diametrical to our own, we perceive it as an attack upon us. Then we launch into a vicious attack upon our counterpart. The congress is no different; it does represent ‘us’ after all.
I believe that we can explain our positions and express our differences without resorting to name-calling and the like, but it does take an effort—Sometimes, a lot of effort.
I have conservative beliefs, but I want to hear and consider my counterpart’s positions as well. They are important to me. If I were only to consider voices similar to mine, it would be a bit like the movie ‘Castaway’ and less interesting. How would I ever learn a ‘new’ thing like that?
We may never achieve ‘real’ unity, nor perhaps should we (that’s another story). But, we can come together and talk about what we value, and come away enriched by the experience.
Now, to get ‘W’ and Michael Moore together…Anyone have an Advil?
