Our political discourse must set a better example
One of the greatest joys from years of legal practice involve participating at Law Day events or discussing our system of government with students ranging from elementary school through the college.
Part of each presentation was how “we the people” collectively agreed that we would form “a more perfect” union and that each day in our Nation’s life we had the solemn obligation to work together toward a better and “more perfect” system of government in which all citizens are treated as equals and due process of law applied to all, equally.
As we looked around the class or meeting room, we could all see our fellow citizens of different races, sexes, beliefs and religions. The idea of a social contract where different people as citizens agreed that certain principles such as the peaceful turnover of power after elections and the separation of church from state ruled our behaviors and distinguished our system of government from the frailties of so many others.
I have concluded, however, that I was little better that a liar when I spoke to the many young minds. Perhaps I was a Pollyanna, but perhaps I just had my head in the sand and failed to see the horrendous self-destructive malevolence in our political systems and the inherent racism and religious intolerance that is prevalent. When I told students that we were always striving to make things better as a nation, I was misleading them.
In today’s political climate, leaders of masses of supporters, in our state and nation, tell us that when we go to work, attend school, shop or attend a movie or sport event in our own communities, we are in the midst of our enemies. Those leaders tell their political adherents that an attack on our nation’s Capitol in an effort to overthrow an election was normal, that a national religion is acceptable, that lies in government and politics are OK, that enemy lists and vile rudeness are just part of politics, and that name-calling and immature pandering are the way gain supports and not, under any circumstance, by calling upon the better angels of all citizens to work together.
As we enter into the season of political campaigns (as if we ever have a respite from them and just govern), we should all look at what is being said, portrayed and done in the name of political campaigning from the point of view of a young person whose future lies in our nation.
When they hear that half of their fellow citizens are bad and trying to tear down our nation, hate our nation, hate Christians, etc.; when they hear self-proclaimed morally committed leaders say its OK to lie during a campaign to garner the votes of citizens because its “just campaigning”; and when they observe childish name-calling and behavior among those seeking to hold high office; what effect do we think that has?
This nation will not survive if that poisonous behavior continues to be tolerated.