Not Only Congress Is Polarized

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Political paralysis in Washington is not something unique to the Beltway. Our elected representatives accurately reflect the deep divisions between well-intentioned people like us throughout our country.

We human beings are influenced more by our emotional reactions than by logic. Although we honestly believe we are supremely rational, it is rare that we coolly and clinically dissect a complex situation outside our field of expertise, without succumbing first to an instinctive moral calculation that shortcuts and simplifies the analysis.

We think in stories. Stories connect abstract reality to our everyday experience and understanding. It is impossible for any one story to capture every detail of reality. As in the fable of the blind people describing an elephant, each touching a different part, reality can seem quite different to each of us, depending upon our perspective.

It is important to be careful when choosing the story that best captures reality for you. When we identify with a political party or ideology, it is like picking a sports team. We become wrapped up in their story and relatively immune to the truth to be found in the point of view of the opposition.

Political consultants and moneyed interests with a stake in rigging our system have figured this out. They do their very best to manipulate our votes by accentuating our fears and widening divisions instead of seeking commonsense compromise and practical solutions.

Their ability to use us as tools to punish the politicians, and the imperative of raising huge sums of money to win re-election, have given them undue influence to achieve policy results favoring the few and well-connected over the average citizen.

Besides being a major factor behind the recent financial crisis, this has created untold cost, impeding us as we try to resolve every major issue confronting us in recent decades. Sensible solutions seem to have slipped beyond our grasp. For each team and its supporters, winning has become more important than good policy.

We need to break the "tribal" and cultural bonds that separate us so that "divide and conquer" will no longer work against us.

It will not be easy. While both conservatives and liberals love our country and want what is best for our fellow citizens and posterity, we tend to differently prioritize the values underlying our moral calculus.

We are encouraged to fear that if the "other side" gets its way, it will be the end of life as we know it.

It sometimes seems to us that the other side is speaking a foreign language or is from another planet.

In conversation, we hear the opposing argument and identify the concerns behind it. Instead of acknowledging and validating those concerns, we immediately and subconsciously discount them, not because they are irrelevant, but because we feel other concerns are more compelling. We then launch into a counter-proposition and miss the opportunity to highlight our common ground and shared concerns.

It will take patience to elucidate our concerns, both shared and not. It will take more to sort out a compromise that advances the most important concerns which both sides can live with. It will take maturity to allow experimentation with policies that may not be our first choice but offer our best hope for the progress that is possible.

While remaining open to other possibilities and remaining true to our convictions, we need to build trust. When taking a position contrary to the ideals of a significant portion of our friends and neighbors, they must know we respect their views, even though they cannot be accommodated this time. Always with respect for law and the democratic process.

Considering the present state of our national discourse, this revolution seems most improbable.

However, for those of my age, the sudden fall of the Soviet Union once seemed unlikely. Who would have guessed in 1980, before we began decades of borrowing to pay for tax cuts, that we would now be $16.5 trillion in debt? That medical services would grow to consume almost 18 percent of our economic output?

Many unlikely events have transpired.

We need to build bridges and close the gaping cultural divide that has been ripping us apart since the 1960s.

The need is urgent, the time is ripe. If we cannot come together now, in time of relative peace and reasonable economic recovery, will we come together or come apart the next time we experience a crisis?

We share much more in common than divides us. Friend and foe alike are watching.

Will we rise to the occasion?

Tom Goergen lives in Aberdeen. Contact him at tgoergen@nc.rr.com.

More like this story

Middleman522 3 months, 1 week ago

This is as rational as I have heard anyone speak, other than maybe Dr. Carson. Everyone needs to read this. Thank You Tom!

dentman65 3 months, 1 week ago

My Thanks to you sir......you have summed it all up quite well. Unfortunately, knowing this board, someone is gonna blast you because that is what some do best. I agree with what you say. Together we stand, United we fall. Sadly, anyone with calm common sense like yourself would get eaten alive in politics as would I. Sometimes I think our Democracy is instead an "Argue-ocracy". It indeed is about who wins instead of who is right. My dad said in WWII in the South Pacific when under fire, it was not the man with the rank that called the shots all the time, it was the man with the best idea at the time. That's what kept them alive and helped win the war. I just wonder if some politicians would know a good solution if it bit them. Make it a great day!

RmeMP 3 months, 1 week ago

Very well written! The first sentence in your second paragraph explains exactly why Obama won the presidential election; he was elected because the country wanted the feel good story of electing the first black president, instead of electing the best man for the job - which would have been the logical thing to do.

clarabelle 3 months, 1 week ago

" RmeMP - Very well written! The first sentence in your second paragraph explains exactly why Obama won the presidential election; he was elected because the country wanted the feel good story of electing the first black president, instead of electing the best man for the job - which would have been the logical thing to do.

ONLY according to YOU (and other right wing loonies)............. a pompous arrogant person who sees himself as always being right!

Can you hear me playing my violin.................

teufelhunden 3 months, 1 week ago

Well said Mr. Goergen. Record this on a CD...go to Washington and plug it in while all our so called leaders sleep so it will soak in subliminally...

blessherheart 3 months, 1 week ago

Wonderful commentary... the last six paragraphs are so important and right on~

RmeMP 3 months, 1 week ago

Ahhh the wise clara"notmuchofa"belle has decided to grace us with her normal words of wisdom - I mean insults...

Please, honey, due tell what about Barrack's resume shows that he was the logical choice?

I made a legitimate comment, and a typical lefty crawls out from under its rocks to throw the first stone, instead of refuting my statement with facts. Go figure.

clarabelle 3 months, 1 week ago

"I made a legitimate comment, and a typical lefty crawls out from under its rocks to throw the first stone, instead of refuting my statement with facts. Go figure."

You hardly made a legitimate comment.......... you attempted to demean (albeit poorly) those who voted for obama!

Did you ever think (a stretch - I am sure) that perhaps people thought Romney was the king of panderers, or he changed his directions more than a weather vane, or that he could care less about most Americans. Or maybe it was that no one really knew where the #### he stood on anything!

No - I'm sure you didn't ..........as most far right loonies don't!

teufelhunden 3 months, 1 week ago

Bicker, bicker...

JimRussell44 3 months, 1 week ago

I agree that this was an excellent presentation of well thought out ideas. I found it to be directed at all of us, not just those on the left or the right and I congratulate the writer for his unbiased efforts to get us all to use our heads for more than just a place to put a hat. It is sad that RmeMP did not absorb what was being said and immediately used the remarks to promote exactly what the writer was warning against.

RmeMP 3 months, 1 week ago

Actually Jim, what is sad is the fact that Clara was the first to start the slandering; but I understand you overlooking those facts since you're a fellow lib like she is.

Why don't you try taking your political blinders off, and reread my first post? I too said this was well written, I simply stated what a MAJORITY of voters have said when asked why they voted for Obama. Most people openly stated that the main reason they did, was because he was the first black person to run for president.

If the truth hurts, then that's your problem.

JD 3 months, 1 week ago

was because he was the first black person to run for president.

You forgot about Jesse and Al. Among others...

was because he was the first black person to run for president and win. FIFY

RmeMP 3 months, 1 week ago

You are correct JD, I was mistaken the way I wrote it. I should have said he was the first to run for president who actually had a chance to win.

But Clara, and Jim, please tell me why he should have gotten the democratic nomination over Hillary, based on their resumes - since you don't think race a part.

packwilleat 3 months, 1 week ago

"Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule – and both commonly succeed, and are right."

H.L. Mencken

Spocks_Brain 3 months, 1 week ago

Clarabelle Wonder if you have ever listened to Obama w/o a teleprompter- he can hardly explain Obamacare-as far as caring-its hard to believe you as an intelligent woman, woud make such accusatory statements about Romney-and lets face it- the group Obama cares about the most are the gays-you'd think half the nation was gay...unless you are gay yourself why so enamored with Obama ? Because he is a socialist?? Since when was the premise of this nation socialism??

Thatcher 3 months, 1 week ago

Mr. Goergen, what a well-written and thoughtful column. Congrats to you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Cheers!

JimRussell44 3 months, 1 week ago

RmeMP, Perhaps you need to go back to the first post on this article and proceed to read each post in the order they are posted. You sir, were the FIRST to go to the negative side. Clarabelle was responding to your brainless post. You don't make you statement, she doesn't make her statement. How people vote is a personal decision. Why didn't you vote for a candidate who could win? Could it be because you voted for the candidate of your choice. All of us voted for the candidate who best represented the views we hold. Why is that difficult to understand? I suppose since your candidate lost, there must have been some secret, evil adgenda at work that got the other guy elected. It certainly couldn't be the fact that your candidate didn't appeal to enough voters, could it? I dispute your allegation that "most" voters voted for Obama because he was black and would challenge you to prove you are correct.

Thatcher 3 months, 1 week ago

Spocks_Brain-- Again, what's with the gay slams? This thread has nothing to do with gays yet you inject it once again. We get it: you don't like gay people. Understood. Perhaps you should save your thoughts on this subject and post to threads which deal with gay issues. Just a thought. I can't tell you what to think, or what to post here, but your posts are becoming more strange and more unfair by the minute. I have no doubt you are a smart guy. You can do better, and I hope you will. Cheers!

packwilleat 3 months, 1 week ago

I've always liked this one.....

"Any American who is prepared to run for president should automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so."

~ Gore Vidal

fugitiveguy 3 months, 1 week ago

I am not prepared to say most people voted for Obama because he was black, I completely agree that he was unqualified for the job. If you disagree then list all his qualifications. We are headed to 17T on the national debt. He is either a fool (I don't think so) or either he is purposely trying to collapse the economy. Yet, the lemmings are unconcerned.

Spocks_Brain 3 months, 1 week ago

Thatcher-go back and read Clarabelles post-why did she have to bring up Romney??- why dont you rag on her-Ill tell you why I bring up the gay issue-every day I hope the day will go by w/o some reference to gay issues on tv or in print-CNN on Sunday challenging the Catholic Church to approve gay marriage, or now military catering to gay couples..Im GD sick of it...and going to wear people out with it as long as Im worn out with it- I was responding to Clarabelles negativity...so bug off-and yes I like gays a ok as long as they stay 6' away from me-I belive we are being set up by a closet gay administration whose real agenda is a homosexual state-why else all the emphasis on it every GD day in the paper on the news..????

Spocks_Brain 3 months, 1 week ago

fugitiveguy-you are right Obama is totally incompetent-you should hear him try to explain Obamacare w/o a teleprompter-its a disaster-he actually thinks equality means equality of condition-you aint seen nothing yet...ORGANIZE FIGHT BACK FIGHT ON THE BEACH MOUNTAINS RESIST OBAMANATION

JimRussell44 3 months, 1 week ago

Keep talking brainless, you are like a cancer on the Republican/Conservative cause. If they have a few more supporters like you, they will never win another presidential election again. Even Thatcher is getting worried about what you are doing to their cause.

Spocks_Brain 3 months, 1 week ago

Russell who said I was a republican. I will never support ever support a president who is the most obvious manchurian candidate that ever lived. Take you and your LGBTS and progressives on the other side of the railroad track and lets see who wins

Themis 3 months, 1 week ago

"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" Voltaire - Patrick Henry

Spocks_Brain 3 months, 1 week ago

I think very soon the president of the united states will come out as a gay American like the ex gov of New Jersey Numerous stories have been floating around the net albet wnd.com that have not been denied and if we're not true would be highly defamatory.

These stories are never brought up or queried by the press namely that j Jackson and b wright facilitated the marriage of BO and MO as a cover or the true nature of BOs body man Reggie Love.

ProudYankee 3 months, 1 week ago

Spocks Brain, that is a special kind of stupid right there........

Spocks_Brain 3 months, 1 week ago

Ok just watch soon the whole world will be changed by this announcement

geoffcutler 3 months, 1 week ago

If you were a president of the United States, and thought there was merit to the notion of Globalism, or "One World," what types of steps might you take, what would you have to do in order to push America, its culture, social programs, its economy and military in the direction of other nations?

Thatcher 3 months, 1 week ago

Spocks_Brain (7 hours, 41 min. ago)-- You claim to be responding to another poster's "negativity," which I suppose is understandable, but why respond with equal or worse negativity? And why slam gay people in the process? I have no doubt you can do better, but it is up to you. "Even Thatcher is getting worried about what you are doing to their cause." (JimRussell44) I'm not sure why you felt the need to say "Even Thatcher...," and I'm not sure what "cause" you believe I'm "worried" about. I'm not worried about anything. I was simply asking a poster not to slam gay people. Cheers!

clarabelle 3 months, 1 week ago

the right wing crazies are out in force. Either - it's a full moon or the dance at spocks_a$$'s trailer has been cancelled!

btw - I respond based upon the intelligence of the question and the intended reader. :)

Cheers!

Arestorer 3 months, 1 week ago

Geoff; Why dont you go back and look at what Reagan said and did.....IMHO, We as a Country,were going to have to lower our standards, to be equal in the One-World order.....Hated it then,Hate it now.....Theres great bennefit that can be gained from socializing with other Nations,But we shouldnt get in bed with them..

Spocks_Brain 3 months, 1 week ago

LIke I said Im going to use this as my issue as long as I am abused by every other headline out there, gay this gay that...and DR preaching the GOP is out of touch cause it doesnt support gay marriage--

Spocks_Brain 3 months, 1 week ago

plus its not logical-guys arent made to like guys and girls arent made to like girls-it tears the fabric of 'space'-its a real Tholian Web

Spocks_Brain 3 months, 1 week ago

Clarabelle-I keep seeing these 'equality' stickers on cars, now on stamps-do you think that is eveidence of Obama caring for people?? Its a tattoo too, a symbol, common now....do you think 'all men are created equal' means equality of condition? ie guaranteed jobs, healthcare??? Just wondering how you truly feel about this

clarabelle 3 months, 1 week ago

Spock - you remind me very much of ex Senator Larry Craig!

Open that closet door - it's 2013 dude!

Themis 3 months, 1 week ago

As Margaret Thatcher (former Prime Minister of Great Britain ) once said "Socialism is GREAT - UNTIL you run out of other people's money".

clarabelle 3 months, 1 week ago

''I know what I believe. I will continue to articulate what I believe and what I believe -- I believe what I believe is right.'' —President George W. Bush

Holy chit!

Themis 3 months, 1 week ago

Clara---it's been a bad day and I needed that! thanks.....

clarabelle 3 months, 1 week ago

''Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country.'' - —President George W. Bush,

Themis - I actually like bush - he is funny as hell..........

Themis 3 months, 1 week ago

clara-which president of late have you liked the least?

Spocks_Brain 3 months, 1 week ago

Hey Clarabelle anytime you want to hook up let me know-your not a guy so you can go ahead and be a gay lover all u want...

clarabelle 3 months, 1 week ago

to be quite frank............... I thought bush was by a mile - the most inept president ever. I do like him personally as I believe him to be earnest, sincere, somewhat honest, and funny as hell.

I like father bush, clinton, obama (at times).

RmeMP 3 months, 1 week ago

That's odd Clara, I would say barry :)

RmeMP 3 months, 1 week ago

"I've now been in 57 states, with one left to go." --- Obumma

RmeMP 3 months, 1 week ago

"On this memorial day, our nation honors its fallen heroes, and I see many of them in the audience today."---Obumma

RmeMP 3 months, 1 week ago

And my personal favorite:

"You're absolutely right that John McCain has not talked about my Muslim faith."

clarabelle 3 months, 1 week ago

RmeMP..........I'll bet if you could get hard - you would have been while posting the above...........

clarabelle 3 months, 1 week ago

" Spocks_Brain - Hey Clarabelle anytime you want to hook up let me know-your not a guy so you can go ahead and be a gay lover all u want..."

OK spockie baby ..............should I bring my weird uncle Bill along........... just for "you"?

Thatcher 3 months, 1 week ago

It's about time to shut down this thread.

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

Was the topic about lobbyists writing bills for their special interest representative? Or creative accounting by Reps to hide trips and perks? Just wondering....

Jesse Jackson Jr did what? $43,500 Rolex? O' those campaign funds were for what? A campaign ...?

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