OF COURSE, WE CAN/MUST DO BETTER!
This bipartisan governance stalemate is ridiculous… at both the National and State levels. Policy opportunities for the people’s benefit are unrealized due to sophomoric bickering, partisan manipulation, distracted media and a dearth of effective leadership. Our political parties are doing a lousy job of supporting participatory democracy, though huge amounts of money and lots of rhetoric are expended…with little constructive return.
A HOUSE DIVIDED NEEDS MORE BRIDGES… Those bridges can/should start across the aisle…
“ACROSS THE AISLE”…WHY NOT?
I understand bipartisan ideological differences and the necessity for platforms that represent those differences, but this constant gridlock creates a huge disservice to a functioning society. The fact that we allow partisan party hacks to condemn bipartisan cooperation, to threaten to “primary” those who dare to reach out, is just nonsense. There are independents and good people in both parties who could join for much more effective government if they were allowed/encouraged to do so. Let’s work on that.
SO, WHERE DO WE START?
We’re not going to have better governance until We The People demand it and work smarter for it. We need to let our representatives know that we expect them to identify like-minded folks ACROSS THE AISLE and choose legislation that they can craft together in everyone’s interest. Most prospective policies are non-partisan and should not be stymied by petty political bickering. A bipartisan team would have a much better opportunity to accomplish positive results.
Many of my generation are tired of throwing good money after bad. Of watching floundering Dems and mean-spirited R’s accomplish little or nothing of the People’s important business. But, we shouldn’t give up and accept/expect repeat disappointment. We should challenge our best and brightest in government to work ACROSS THE AISLE with each other for effective bipartisan solutions. Reminding these candidates that our political contributions are investments in good government, not obligatory charitable handouts for more of the same.
I’d like to see some strategic alliances with top media reps to call public attention to these cooperative bipartisan efforts to better serve our communities, our children and grandchildren. The disinfectant nature of shining the public light on these activities would dilute the inordinate influence of many of the traditional political hacks.
IN CLOSING
We The People have a huge vested interest in creating a more accountable and responsive political process. We can make a significant step forward by strongly encouraging our most effective political reps to increase their/our odds for success by working ACROSS THE AISLE.
