The harsh tenor of politics today is making it difficult to hold rational discussions. A recent encounter with a friend prompted me to write this observation of what we have become as a society when discussing differing political views. In the past, political discussions have been taboo, as conversations tended to become overly heated. Today, these same discussions are more than heated; they have become extremely passionate, hateful and, in some cases, have cost friendships.
It’s time for Americans to do some soul searching; to consider whether our lawmakers are really doing the work of the people or are they working for special interests or their own personal political gain?
We should evaluate how the fierce, vitriolic, bantering of opinions being postured as factual and absolute are more often inconsistent and are recklessly and instantly, fueling irresponsible sensationalism. Social media platforms demonstrate this behavior only too clearly.
Those who shout loudest about American values while making character assassinations at the same time, are all too frequently those who ignore the basic principles of the right to criticize, the right to hold unpopular beliefs, have independent thought and have the right to protest. To exercise our rights should not cost any of our fellow American citizens his/her reputation or a right to a livelihood just because he/she knows someone or agrees with someone with unpopular beliefs.
Much like the challenges we read about in our history, we are now at a crossroads, being psychologically divided by confusion, suspicions and hatred. History has a habit of repeating itself whether we realize it or not. Of course, how will the young people today know that, if at every turn we try to avoid the reality about this nation’s history; the good, the bad and the ugly.
How many young people know why Andrew Johnson was impeached and almost removed from office or what the McCarthy era was all about? How many understand the effects of the election of 1912, who ran for president and how did the results of that election point us in a direction toward something we could never have imagined. How did the Vietnam War really affect our nation?
In 1968, in the midst of the Vietnam War, my college political science professor offered his assessment of how the parallel course of capitalism and communism would at some point in the future cross over. Needless to say, that class of young, 19-year-olds, could never perceive the idea that America would or could ever turn to socialism knowing what we knew then; but we now seem to find ourselves toying with that concept through some of our new, young politicians.
Have they been educated enough about history? Have they learned about the ultimate sacrifices the men and women of America paid in the major wars we were engaged in to protect the freedoms we enjoy through our structure of government?
In schools, if a child is name calling or taunting, he or she is considered a bully. What do we call adults who do the same thing? As adults, we should be able to drop the name calling and have an educated discussion. Labeling individuals such as “fascist,” “racist,” “homophobic,” etc., is designed to confuse, divide and conquer from within. We need to come together as “one nation” and as “we the people” and recapture the strength and unity that was envisioned when our forefathers designed the U.S. Constitution.
We need to be able to come together to discuss political opinions regardless of political party and without fear of being ridiculed or maligned. We need to recapture that strength and unity we’ve always had when fighting the real enemy, instead of fighting ourselves.
Who knows, perhaps if we can sit down and put our heads together, real solutions and constructive ideas can develop and evolve. After all, collaboration is the engine to move ideas. We cannot allow this political discourse to continue. Don’t you think, it’s time for “We the People” to make a conscious effort to truly be united?
Linda Koelling is the former mayor of Foster City.
(8) comments
Dirk. There's an "h" in Rhoads.
Mr. Roads - we all know who you are blaming but I think this has more to do with the electorate and the public-at-large being fed up with years of incessant political correctness. That reached a zenith under the last president who set his AG up to pursue any and all perceived discrimination violations. Opposing view points became hate speech, frowning on illegal immigration became racism and not agreeing with the anointed queen made you deplorable. That, in turn, promulgated opinions such as expressed by Gloria. Just shout down anyone who disagrees. There are others who contribute in this platform who insult writers without bothering getting to know them. Their cliches are getting old and have lost the intended effectiveness. The former mayor's article is quite appropriate.
Good job Linda, Good job. The word divides is so true everywhere commuters vs non commuters, renters vs homeowners etc.. Makes me socially aware of feelings involved to belong and not be divided out of any group. AS Nancy Pelosi says impeachment divides us....so true...
As the Captain goes so goes the crew. We have some elected leaders who routinely make up pubescent names in order to malign any one who us their percieved competitor. When and if civility is in place again in certain offices the divide will improve immensely.
You mean like Crazy Joe Biden, Da Nang Dick, Crooked Hillary, Leakin’ James Comey, Low IQ Maxine, Pocahontas, Cryin’ Chuck, Crazy Bernie? Many people realize that nicknames are a form of affection. Is it our fault that you don’t like nicknames? Heck, you’re probably having a cow over The Count, Panda, The Say Hey Kid, Will the Thrill, and Mad Bum.
Calling people who are fascist, racist or homophobic by those adjectives is not meant to divide people. It's calling out those who ARE dividing us by their misguided beliefs. Do we just sit aside and not point out Tucker Carlson's horrendous attacks on women? Is it not okay to label them as misogynist? And groups who stand firmly against gay rights? Is it wrong to label them as homophobic? You are blaming those who are pointing out WHERE the divisiveness is coming from for the divisiveness, which is completely misplaced. If you don't like socialism, please don't apply for social security or Medicare, in order to keep things honest.
Gloria is Exhibit A on why the divide in our country will never be put back together. Useless even to consider it.
Very nice sounding sentiments Mayor. Although I notice that you bandied about the suggested evil of Socialism as though we are all in agreement that nothing good is on offer with that particular tendency. Maybe as your professor mentioned to you, it has a certain inevitability that might cross over and mix with what we have now. Presently we seem to have a strong element of 'crony capitalism' where a type of socialism exists for the powerful and wealthy and the rest of us remain in the dog eat dog world. Most folks don't see the Nordic countries as genuinely socialist but those Social Democracies do certainly believe far more in the benefits gained by a respected, honest and engaged government. They don['t go around trashing their administrative structures as we tend to do without thinking of the damage they might cause. They are also on board with the knowledge that man made climate disruption is the number one challenge over and above nuclear weapons etc. There, governmental action and leadership is a must if we are to leave anything to our children.
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