Controversation.com

[Escalon Times - April 15th, 2009]

Smoky rhetoric has been blown into our face frequently over the past few months, and we are fast approaching a decision that requires open eyes. We should clear the air. The choice - do we continue on with American capitalism, or do we embrace the proto-socialism of Western Europe?

On one hand, President Obama is working to usher us into an era of populist Europeanism: State managed health care, expanding government control over business, accelerated wealth redistribution, and a growing list of social programs for the underprivileged.

On the other, a conservative resurgence in the 2010 Congressional elections could still wrestle the reigns from the Obama administration, end the federal spending spree, prune these social programs before they blossom into entitlements, and loosen the tax noose on business.

Semi-socialism vs. cowboy capitalism? Which is the better path? We have 18 short months to decide. But, before we don our swords and armor, it is worth remembering an important truth. Even though we may disagree on tactics, we have shared intentions.

There will always be those who lust for money, power, and sugar without regard to the well being of others, but these amoral and emotionally adolescent few are a fractional minority. For the rest of us, our desires are not extravagant: peace, prosperity, liberty, clean streets, and a safe neighborhood in which to raise our children. Furthermore, we magnanimously wish for all the nations of Earth to enjoy these blessings, as evidenced by the billions per year in foreign aid we sprinkle across the globe.

While our intentions may be mutual, strategies for achieving them differ widely. This should not be alarming in the least. We diverge in our knowledge of history, religion, and the sciences. We carry different experiences, world views, and ethical priorities. That we continuously meet at crossroads while charting a map to utopia is not only good and proper, but unavoidable.

Some among us believe that leveling the playing field with left-leaning legislation is the best path to an egalitarian society. Others feel that the incentives of capitalism lead to increased prosperity for all. It is worthwhile to explore both of these avenues in our quest to improve our nation.

Sadly, opposing views rarely meet each other with respect in our celebrity-laced, sound-byte fueled political arena. Cheap jokes and character assassinations have largely taken the place of worthwhile dialogue in the media, and many of us have shunned talking politics altogether for fear of hurt feelings.

Indeed, we now have a new national past time – a new game we play – called Who Can Be Most Offended. It’s simple: he who can clang his cymbals the loudest, point his finger the straightest, and accuse the other side of the most atrocities wins. Never mind the facts, point and yell.

This is not discourse, it is mental Stalinism. Moreover, it is at odds with our best interests. The spirit of a democracy is the wisdom of the people. Since the public decides policy, a wise public is a prerequisite to wise policy. Dumbing down the national debate with insults and vitriol reduces our ability to govern ourselves effectively.

What can we do to make our children safer, our bodies healthier, our minds clearer, and our economy more prosperous? That our answers vary is certain, but it is worth remembering that we agree on the question. When we raise ourselves above the storm of short sighted polemics, our vision broadens. The intentions we share are more important than the tactics we use to achieve them.

Remember this the next time you face off with a friend or relative who disagrees with you. Consider whether or not they wish for a safer, happier, and healthier world. If you believe they do, then take issue with the method, not the person, and trade ideas rather than blows.