We've always been polarized--sharply
divided along religious, ethnic and political lines--And mostly
negative--better at denouncing the beliefs of others than we are at explaining
our own. So what's different? Why is it that our government can't seem to get anything
done?
We're past the basics: we have a
constitution; we've fought the Civil War (and others); we have suffrage; civil
rights; we collect taxes; and crime rates are dropping. We're ready to move
on--to achieve a higher standard of living for all--right?
Recently, I read a book, The Believing
Brain, 'How we turn our
beliefs into facts.' I don't recommend the book, but it does a good job of
describing how we all come to accept our received beliefs as facts. And, having
done so, see those with differing beliefs as stupid. Nothing new here except
that pandering to our beliefs is now worth enormous sums of money and power.
Even pandering to beliefs that have nothing to do with pending legislation can
reap rewards in terms of political power necessary to control the agenda on
these and other issues.
An example:
But first, A point of privilege: My own opinions on the following
are irrelevant--and may surprise you.
Abortion vs. The Right to Life will always
be with us. It represents a deep seated conviction in proponents of either
side, many of whom are intelligent, thoughtful people. We cannot square the
circle; minds will not be changed. So why are we ceding so much power to
politicians who agree with us? They're not going to fix it, and, meanwhile, we
limp along with a non-functioning government.
I recognize the importance of Abortion,
gay rights, the Zimmerman verdict, and, when they die down, whatever takes their place. I have difficulties with the way these hot issues crowd others out of
consideration--especially when I consider that this effect is not entirely
unplanned. Perhaps I'm being selfish since I don't know anyone who's affected
by any of these issues, or others I can name. That's not to say they don't
exist. But what about the millions of Americans whose lives are being ruined
and shortened by the politically driven mismanagement of our economy? And all
the black men in jail, the families ruined, and killings in neighboring
countries thanks to our self-righteous 'War on Drugs'?
And 'immigration'? There's one for the ages--a
gross distortion of our legal system and our economy. Shouldn't American
employers pay the going rate for work they want done? Compete in the labor
market place? What's so special about agriculture in southern California? Think
of it on a net cost basis--less welfare, workers' kids get an education,
workers buy cars, farmers spend more for high-tech equipment (what the English call
a knock-on effect).
Isn't it time for Americans to accept
accountability for results? To make the connection between our cherished
beliefs plus the way in which we allow ourselves to be manipulated, and the
disgusting situation in our nation's capital?
Joseph Bakewell
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