Tribalism and misinformation hurts the country’s collective

The present social, economic and government calamities did not suddenly manifest. They have progressively evolved over the past 40 years. In the post WWII era, our country thrived economically. We still had serious social ills, but there was more distribution of wealth and taxes that contributed to increased economic upward mobility and established the middle class. We had a twoparty system that functioned more like four parties. Democrats had liberal and moderate advocates while Republicans had moderate and conservative advocates. Although not perfect, more of our representatives were better adept at discussion, compromise, ethics and finding common agreement. Since, Democrats have become moderate and Republicans more extremely conservative. They have become ineffective tribal enemies, sold out to big business and fail to represent the collective.

Presently, the United States is supposedly the richest country in the world. Yet, amongst progressive countries we have the highest population living in poverty, most incarcerated, and poorest in providing adequate health care to all. Those and other conditions, including systemic racism, are the consequences of increased selfishness, arrogance and greed emulated by our “for profit first” big business culture. This phenomenon has been a thorn in the human condition for eons. Folks of that ilk know well how to manipulate the collective through misinformation, division, oppression, distraction etc. to maintain power by effectively marginalizing the masses and diminishing collective participation. We are repeating the story of fallen empires. When will the collective learn they hold the power to create a more content humane existence by adapting to a “we instead of me” way of life?

In a democracy, the collective has the awesome opportunity to participate in governing themselves. To be effective participants, citizens have the responsibility to be knowledgeable of facts essential to effective decision-making and safeguarding democratic capacity. We are at a juncture where we can choose to operate collectively or continue the status quo of tribalism that produces wealth and power to the self-serving oligarchs. Tax breaks to the wealthy, the trickle down illusion, outsourcing of jobs to other countries, Wall Street corruption, systemic racism, millions in tax monies toward subsidizing already wealthy corporations, wage suppression, cutting education funding, selling a delusional belief that more material things will make one happy, are tools of the dark side of unregulated capitalism. These are also the outcomes of ineffective government complicit in the charades, legislating for the few and failing to truly represent all citizens.

We truly live in a time where we do not need war, tribalism,and devastation of the environment to provide resources essential to our basic human needs. As human beings, making mistakes is normal. We can learn from our mistakes or repeat them. Knowingly repeating mistakes is self-sabotaging to our wellness and contentment. Each of us individually needs to grasp these realities and decide what direction is most beneficial. In deciding it is most helpful to determine the facts, acknowledge the truths, lies and hypocrisies. Truths are not always what we want but need as a reliable compass to guide us. Lies, misinformation and amnesia will keep us lost.

Our representation of the collective is significantly weakened when so much money is provided by self-interest groups to candidates running for office positions. This brings to question how much are we truly represented by our votes? The truth is, not only does the collective need to take better responsibility at being accurately informed and actively involved but we need transforming government reforms that will better empower integrity in our democracy. Some considerations toward cultivating the democratic reality are: Developing term limits, removing lobbying and private monies from elections. A system using tax money in a limited established amount for campaigning may be effective. Consider a 3-4 party system’s ability to increase checks and balances and representation. Elected folks only get benefits the rest of us get and with poor job performance one can be voted out. Registered voting rights should be automatic if born here, voting locations more accessible and suppression activity eliminated.

We are in this small world together. If we seek equality, justice and contentment, it is not just about what the individual wants, but what we really need together for the quality of our existence. I am a registered Democrat. Collective change for the greater good begins with individual. I have voted Republican when I recognized a better platform for the collective. I believe voting needs to be about understanding the candidate’s stance on various policies and the good of the collective. Voting should not be about one issue or unwavering allegiance to party. I am a Democratic socially responsible and conservative government advocate.