Moderation
Given the current atmosphere in Washington, it's a good time to consider a little moderation. "Compromise" is not a dirty word. A wise man once noted that "politics is the art of compromise." As intelligent citizens we should always be open to reasonable arguments. Unfortunately, politics today is dominated by those who can scream the loudest and insist on not giving an inch.
Despite all of the rhetoric about "red states" and "blue states," Americans are more complex than political lines on a map. As one observer has noted, America is actually made up of "purple states" with varying intensities of red and blue. See: http://www.boingboing.net/images/Purple-USA.jpg
The system used by so many pundits colors a state red if 51% of the popular vote (and thus 100% of the perfunctory electoral vote in most states) goes to the Republican candidate. The same holds for narrow Democratic victories coloring a state blue. This system is very misleading.
Such an inaccurate system plays into the hands of the "two Americas" partisan punditry. In the end, it is the citizens who lose.
Despite all of the rhetoric about "red states" and "blue states," Americans are more complex than political lines on a map. As one observer has noted, America is actually made up of "purple states" with varying intensities of red and blue. See: http://www.boingboing.net/images/Purple-USA.jpg
The system used by so many pundits colors a state red if 51% of the popular vote (and thus 100% of the perfunctory electoral vote in most states) goes to the Republican candidate. The same holds for narrow Democratic victories coloring a state blue. This system is very misleading.
Such an inaccurate system plays into the hands of the "two Americas" partisan punditry. In the end, it is the citizens who lose.
posted by DoubtingThomas | 2:07 AM
2 Comments:
I agree that compromise is essential. However, I also think there is nothing wrong with having and expressing strong opinions.
Re: the red/blue state thing...I don't really see that as much of an issue. Our bi-cameral government makes sure there is going to be "two Americas". Personally, I'm really enjoying the charged political atmosphere right now. This way we can find out what people really think.
I agree that rigorous debate is healthy. My only concern is that the partisanship degrades into a counterproductive standoff. This aspect reminds me of the WWF. No corporation would thrive in such an environment of hostility. Open discussion and debate of the issues is essential. Very seldom however does real debate take place. Both sides scream past each other in order to score points with their constituencies. Once both parties start the name-calling and exaggerated warnings of doom if the other side prevails, genuine debate of the issues is impossible.
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