The battle for balance

We’re entering into a period of imbalance in federal government. One party controls the presidency, the Senate and, narrowly, the House of Representatives. We must strive to get back to an equilibrium to protect our democracy, and for our nation’s overall political health and stability. We need a counterweight to chaos.

Our polarized, two-party political system has long incentivized division as a way to win elections, but it’s not an effective way to govern. Truly governing for the entire country means we need to strive toward bipartisanship, while also calling out far-right extremism that is designed to hurt the most vulnerable. We must fight to protect California’s values when attacked by demagogues who sow division while trying to conquer their opponents.

Social media provides the opportunity for clickbait that garners headlines and likes, where misinformation metastasizes. When distrust and conspiracy theories are at every turn and finger pointing abounds, our balance suffers. Each of us can make a concerted effort to break away from the algorithm’s echo chamber and do our due diligence to discern the truth. We can each choose to not demonize “the other” side.

At the end of the day, I truly believe we have more in common as Americans than we disagree upon. Our north star in public service must be to focus on what will do the most good for the most people, particularly our neighbors most in need, and rebuild a politics of common sense for the common good. This usually involves making tough calls and compromise, which often means neither side is totally satisfied.

So many challenges that our country faces — issues that directly impact families across America like the rising cost of housing, groceries and health care — don’t discern red states from blue states. We collectively face an increasing risk of catastrophic natural disasters and whether it’s hurricanes in the east or wildfires in the west, they are being worsened by climate change. 

We cannot let federal assistance be unduly influenced by who is in the White House or the spread of falsehoods. And the suggestion that critical aid to victims of the Los Angeles wildfires should be withheld, leveraged or conditioned because California is a blue state, is totally unacceptable. A major reason I worked to earn a seat on the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce this Congress is to work on policies to tackle the climate crisis, a challenge on which San Mateo County and California have led, and to build an economy that can work for everyone. 

Now entering my second term in Congress, I’m interested in working with anyone, regardless of party, who is genuinely interested in solving problems for hardworking Americans. There is strength in unity, collaboration and balance. And achieving balance means fending off extremism.

I had the great privilege of gathering in the Washington National Cathedral earlier this month as the world paid tribute to President Jimmy Carter, a leader who, particularly in his post-presidency, demonstrated a balanced approach to living. He committed himself to making the world a better place through his tireless efforts to ensure people had a safe place to call home, monitoring elections and helping to eradicate disease. His work was not as an individual but was in partnership with a multitude of others. It was a balanced effort with people who each played a role in achieving success.

On the day of his funeral, Democrats and Republicans alike gathered under the cathedral’s arches illuminated by colorful stained glass. It was a coming together of people who put aside their differences to warmly connect with each other. It reminds us as a divisive second Trump presidency commences, that civility, while elusive, still can exist. With sustained and determined effort, we can return to a better, more bipartisan, balanced era of American politics. That too is indispensable.

Kevin Mullin represents California’s 15th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.