This is one statement, meme, that I find extremists on the left and right seem to endorse. A very rare moment of unity in our fractured society. There are a few other problems both sides can find agreement in identifying. Statements of dismay over America’s relying on foreign manufacturing, supply chain as the root of our inflation, even the negative influence of corporations on local economies, all do find head nods from both sides. The unity soon falls apart when people identify causes or solutions. When the head nods of agreement are over each reach back into their big bag of aggrievements to place blame or offer solutions. They find their favorite bogeymen to blame. For the right there is always Hillary, killing someone, assisted by George Soros. Any other problem pull-out the not-right-people with their personal failings causing illnesses and poverty. Often these other people cause their own killing even though they are unarmed. The extreme left seems to think loudly stating their moral point of view is tantamount to law. Their demands ignore the reality of legislation that is obstructed, warped, and obsequious to corporate power. What separates us as a society is the bag of bias each of us carry around. Our baggage has come to define us and not our shared values or our agreement on the problems we face.
Government of by and for the people is no longer even an aspiration
Majorities of Americans support compromise positions on the hot-button political divisions we face. This is true with abortion, gun laws, citizenship and immigration, religious rights, racial justice, climate, and government regulations. The politics of this age has driven us to extremism. It has benefited the political players to demand absolutism. On guns it is all or nothing, ban armor piercing bullets and government thugs will steal your shotgun. Extremists on each end of the spectrum agree with statements that begin ‘common sense would’, yet extremism itself has already left behind the rational approach. I hear the extreme Bernies bemoan the Democratic Party. The corporate establishment they raise alarms about is constantly trying to influence, bribe, and control both the Democratic and Republican Parties, as well as government agencies. If you want to fight the establishment then elect more allies. How did those senators get re-elected? They relied on resources of dark money, allowing the PACS to drive the outrage for their base voters. Hence even the most mealy-mouthed moderately modulated politicians are cheering on extremism. Few politicians remain who would put the good of the nation above their own personal advancement and reelection. We live in an age when personal honor, self-sacrifice, and doing the right thing are no longer seen as values or aspirations. If even acknowledged, it is a quaint concept from a long-ago age or Frank Capri movie.
I would like to suggest a solution, a belief we will come together and survive this crisis point. I am an eternal optimist but not a fool. I now doubt we can overcome our engrained biases to make rational steps towards unity. One might think saving America by expanding our yet imperfect democracy would unite us. Ensuring citizens have easy access to voting is part of the political divide, so no. Our core belief to form a more perfect union has transformed into an exclusive corporate sponsored private club. Being an American citizen is not a qualification to have a voice; many of our political leaders are racing towards a restrictive authoritarian society. Every day people willing to assert what they are paid to believe not what they know to be true fill (pollute) our information sources. The falseness pervades our interactions in business and politics. There is no expectation of truth in advertising; only the foolish would expect it. It is buyer beware, do not be a dolt. Of course, our politicians do not believe the screeds they spew. It is just common practice to demonize ones’ opponent. It is better to see the nation devastated, if the blame can be cast upon one’s opposition. Success of the moment is the goal. The extinction of humanity and the life force of a planet are not a consideration.
Leaders and their actions can be endorsed, even the abhorrent normalized. If elections can be won, corporate entities are accepted and welcome donors. Wealth and power no matter how it originated are above reproach in the media which they own. Many passionate Americans are left disillusioned and powerless. I see Republican and Democratic voters share the same concerns, but a party that promotes delusion and authoritarianism is unacceptable as America’s future. Majorities of Republicans are the domestic enemy. They now endorse values that have always been foreign to America. The United States has discriminated against and waged war on peoples not part of the white-male-with property club, but once admitted we have opened democracy’s doors. The violent clashes and backlash reactions are important history. Yet, our electorate has widened; the efforts to suppress voters is one of inconvenience, misinformation, and frustration. We as people seeking inclusion and justice can push back.
Our nation has a mass of citizens eager to be part of the solution, but left without a path to pitch in. The politics of our era is warped by corporate money used to lobby. Large amounts of secret PAC money elect the fawning politicians. When we as Democrats attempt to win elections, we follow the same practices that have often produced more losses than wins. Canvassing and door knocking are a true waste of people’s time and stamina. People are not home. If they are, they do not want our germs. Calls, the public is fed up with unsolicited calls. Mass emails hysterically pleading for more money, email is no longer a communication tool. More ‘big bucks’ fundraisers always touch the heart of those working three jobs
without health insurance or family leave. Expensive ad buys on television which no one under thirty watches. Mailers, yes please more mailers our recycling bins are too empty. What people need is connection a role once filled by activists who lived down the block or precinct captains. A personal source for voters to rely on for information. Voters want someone to listen. We have the information age tools to build these networks, based on geography, neighbors, and trusted people. Networks could be formed and managed by the party. It might even lead to vastly increased voter turnout. It would be efficient requiring less money and less volunteer time. Established virtual communities organized by the Democratic party would empower and motivate people.
It would undermine the power of corporate money. We will surely not follow such a path. It would require less money and be more effective. Why would anyone even propose such a preposterous approach?
Published on ShireSteve.blog —
Novel by ShireSteve — The Solace of Solitude available on Apple Books and Kindle
A novel to entertain my wife in our trauma inducing Pandemic Times
I regret Daily Kos is no longer a place where posts such as this will be read. The loss of power to the party of the insane is America’s greatest threat.