Assumption: How we see ourselves and others in the political arena is as important as which issues and policies we choose to support. Problem: We no longer see ourselves as one people (Out of Many, One). We see ourselves as separate and incompatible people (Out of One, Many). We now seem to assume that we are all different people with divided values and separate goals working at cross purposes and that there is no value in working with or collaborating with, “the other side.”
Assumption: A healthy democracy requires its people to think holistically, to see the ‘big picture,’ and to value procedural rules and processes without undermining them for political gain. Problem: We now seem to be willing to manipulate and cheat the system in order to get and maintain political control for ourselves—our party, our cohort, our political agenda. We are now greedy for absolute control and will do anything we can to have it our way and get what we want while virtually saying, “To hell with the others.”
Assumption: The ends should never justify the means. Problem: “Yeah right! Don’t be so naïve!” Is the new attitude about that principle. Republican and Democrat alike fight on with an approach and attitude that virtually says, “We must win at all cost, using every means possible—good or bad, fair or unfair, just or unjust. It’s winning that counts!” Out maneuver, overtake, and overpower the opposing side, take down your opponent however you can, wherever you can; have no mercy and take no prisoners.
Assumption: We want peace, justice, truth, honor, integrity, and things done in the right way and for the right reason. Problem: We are willing to bend the truth and ignore dishonest methods when the truth does not favor our side. If it benefits us, we support unjust and dishonorable methods and welcome unrighteous tactics to get our way. Hypocrites are we all.
Assumption: A people are stronger when they are united in purpose, values, and goals. That is, it is good to find common ground and work through our differences even when it means we must compromise or give-and-take a little. Problem: When we say, “Let us work together,” what we mean is: “Come now, be reasonable and see it MY way!” Compromise is now a dirty word. And to “give-and-take” means, support us all the way or become our enemy.
Assumption: The world, including the environment, international relations, economics, social justice, and human health and welfare is a set of intertwined and complex systems requiring much insight, study, and wisdom for properly applied public and private policies. Problem: We think everything should come down to a KISS: “Keep It Simple Stupid.” We have become simple-minded black-and-white thinkers, refusing to acknowledge the basic complexities, complications, and variations of this thing we call life on earth.
Assumption: The Federal Government should be concerned for what’s best for the nation as a whole and what’s best for all its citizens regardless of social rank, economic status, or geographical location. Problem: There is no cause but that which is personal and local, no reality but that which we personally desire or imagine, and no truth but that which we define to our own liking. It is not about “us and ours—we the people”; it’s about me, my, and mine—versus them, they, and theirs.
Assumption: Democratically elected government officials are not above the law and must be transparent and accountable to the people in all that they do while in office. Problem: We are tolerating an elected president, who refuses to be transparent in crucial areas that may involve conflict-of-interest, respecting his personal and family business affairs. Example: He refuses to release his tax returns. Yet he continues to wield a great amount of power and influence while remaining in the position to personally gain that much more wealth from his private businesses.
Furthermore, he outright rejects the idea of being held accountable for his words and actions, never willing to admit that he misspoke or said something that was just not true.
Assumption: the problems connected with the above assumptions, if not corrected, will inevitably lead to our decline as a nation. And it will be long term, like a frog in slowly warming water—we won’t notice it until it is virtually too late.
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