Though this article is short, it addresses something that I think we all wonder sometimes when politics get overly brutal: Can we all get along? No Labels- an organization of Republicans, Democrats, and independents- does not see this happening. What they want is, "No policy suggestions. No position papers. No Labels just want the members of Congress to grab a cup of coffee together." No Labels held a conference today, "Meeting to Make America Work." They know the about dozen politicians in the group do not have a loud voice in capitol hill, so their first priority is to go out to get more Senators and Representatives to join.
The reason I chose this article is because during the elections I thought some of the politicians seemed to get carried away or overly passionate. I'm not saying that we should "all be friends" and have the same views. But I don't think such hostility is good either. Do you guys think this group has a voice that should be heard? Obviously, the quote I stated above would not theoretically work. Not everyone can be happy at the same time. But is there some median or some type of policy suggestion that could maybe steer groups towards the same "aisle?"
I think we must break out of our current conception of what it is to be a citizen. While this won't necessarily be an economically-based answer, it's worth discussing. In our current late-Roman model of citizenship, we're able to pursue our private interests while politics is done in a separate sphere by professionals in D.C. We make lifestyle decisions that undermine the ability of the government to regulate. To name a few, unhealthy diets, etc. hurt health care; the needs of the elderly and disabled will not be met if the people do not share the responsibility of providing care; and environmental degradation will continue at increasing rates to if the people do not do their part. Public policy is at odds with our individualistic choices. So, is the question actually, shouldn't we look to attain a more civics-minded community? Or, can competition be the cure-all for these issues?
ReplyDeleteI definitely think this group has a voice that needs to be heard. Although we all have our different opinions, I think in the end we all want what's best for America. We will never make everyone happy with this, but I think it's worth a try.
ReplyDeleteWe do need some moderators in the government and other positions of power. However we should not forget that strong competition of ideas help us as citizens understand policies and views of many things that might just be shoved at us. Unlike many people I think we should continue to have opposing ends with hope that we can all come to mutual understanding on some issues.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hannah in that this group's voice should be heard. However, I hold out little hope that this group, or any similar organization, will have much success in the near future. The current system seems, at least to me, to be becoming more and more polarized. Does anyone else have a more optimistic viewpoint? And is so, why?
ReplyDeleteI would like this group of people to be heard, but as many stated above seems to be very unlikely. While studying abroad in Germany I studied a lot about the political issues and set up of the country. Instead of having only two many parties, they had a handful. Although their government is very different from ours, would this be something we could consider? Trying to have more than two main parties with two very different solutions. I think some variety would be refreshing, but it should be modified to avoid any chaos. Maybe this is too out there for our government, but it was just a thought.
ReplyDeleteI like Maureen's idea of more than just two political parties. I think this would have multiple benefits. I think it would decrease the current hostility between Democrats and Republicans. It would also allow for more points of view and policy suggestions to have a chance during elections. Unfortunately, I don't think that this is a possibility looking at the current state of Washington. Democrats and Republicans are constantly at each others throats and I don't think either party would be remotely willing at this point to split itself up. I think it would be nice though because sometimes I feel like politicians are now making policy choices based completely off of trying to get revenge against the other political party.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Clays stance on this where he claims that this is an unlikely solution based on the way congress is today. Both parties shoot down anything the other side offers up and it keeps things stangnant. Because of this, their is very little room for progress and the political parties make decisions purely based on what is best for their party and not what is best for the country as a whole.
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