It’s something I see every single day. When I go online to engage in debate, when I get in discussions of current events in Economics class, even when I listen to speeches made by the leaders of our great nation, I see it. What I see is the polarization of our country into two camps. Members of each camp are convinced they are right, and find the ideas of the other camp to be ridiculous. Whenever members of each group cross paths, there is often name-calling and slanderous accusations. It’s a sickness that has spread throughout the country, one that makes me physically ill to boot. Why? Because I look upon this political affliction and see the basis of democracy crumbling, slowly but terrifyingly surely. The mortar of America is crumbling, and nobody seems ready to step in and repair the foundation.
It’s a saddening prospect, but an angering one as well. The rage that I build up from thinking about this topic is directed mostly towards the politicians in Washington, and in the White House in particular. In recent years, this country has seen a disturbing increase in a certain doctrine I call “My way or the highway.” Disciples of this particular cult love to listen to Ray Charles: “Hit the road, Jack, and don’t you come back no more.” The basis for this doctrine is founded, at least somewhat, in legitimate principle: what America needs are people who will stick to their principles and not bend to what ever will get them reelected. But when this idea is extrapolated upon, the result is horrifying: politicians who stick to their guns, no matter what new facts emerge or what new events occur. In the interest of looking tough and remaining steadfast, these people seem to be willing to sacrifice what may be in the best interest of the American people.
What’s even worse about these “Iron Man” types of politicians is how they have quickly become the “norm” in Washington. This has resulted in everyone from the highest White House official to the lowliest Congressman receiving undeserved praise for “sticking to principle,” while any elected public servant who remains undecided on an issue or changes his or her mind is dismissed out of hand for not having the strength to lead. Hogwash, I say, and hogwash again. There are plenty of issues that I, as a conscientious human, critical thinker, and practicing Buddhist, take firm stances on. But there is a difference between taking a stand and refusing to change that stance no matter what. This is the one true statement that the vast majority of those in Washington seem to miss: There’s always a chance that you might be wrong.
But onward the doctrine marches, the beat never changing. Every step it takes polarizes Washington a bit more—and that polarization spreads like wildfire to the rest of America. There’s no room for compromise in the typical debate any more. Following the lead of almost every political face in America, the people remain fixed in their opinions, no matter what facts emerge to confound them. When somebody brings up a point against them, they will either repeat what they have already said, or simply resort to name-calling, because anyone bearing the label of “fascist” or “baby-killer” cannot possibly have a legitimate point to make. “To concede a point would mean defeat!” they seem to cry. “Onward to victory!”
But whose victory is it? As far as I can tell, we all lose. The more we pour our minds full of cement, the more we rob our democracy of its ability to function. We function on a basis of “majority rules,” but we must never stop in our duty to protect the rights and maintain the voice of the minority. Compromise is an integral part of the American system. The Constitution itself was a result of compromise. But today, we are turning our back upon the only way we as a country—indeed, the only way democracy as a system—can function. Not only that, but we remove the necessity for our representatives to think about their statements. If we allow this state of affairs to continue, the people we vote for in the polls will hide behind their talking points and finely crafted speeches designed to stir the heart and fog the mind.
Both sides—liberal and conservative—are at fault in this manner. Both sides are guilty of wantonly and willfully destroying that which makes up civil discourse and, by extension, that what keeps the American system alive and well. I see it plainly, and it disgusts me. As such, I don’t see how I have any other choice but to continue to immerse myself in the filthy pool that is the degenerating discourse in America. I don’t think that it’s too late to reunify the country and rediscover the ways by which our forefathers began this great experiment, but I do know that I can’t do it alone. This approach to democracy needs to be stopped now; ironically, there is no room for compromise here.
Of course, I could be wrong. I hope I am. But sadly, I don't think so.
[Note: I wrote this for a college application essay just now in a half hour. Let me know what you guys think. Samus out.]
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