Politics, unfortunately, is too often a bare-knuckle sport. Is that really the best way for us to conduct ourselves in the self-government of our nation?
President Barack Obama recently called for a return of “a spirit of civility” in our national politics.
That certainly is a desirable goal. Can it be achieved?
“Surely you can question my policies without questioning my faith — or for that matter, my citizenship,” President Obama said at the recent National Prayer Breakfast. He has a point.
But the trouble is that in national politics, too many partisans are seeking “their way” regardless of facts and costs and principles.
There are, of course, honest differences of opinion. But many political decisions are made on the basis of what is believed to be partisan advantage, rather than what is really best for our nation and our people.
Can you imagine how different government — and attitudes — would be if every decision were made only after honest consideration of the facts, abandoning ego and perceived partisan advantage?
It should be possible for us to disagree without being disagreeable. But many political proposals threaten huge negative and inescapable consequences. Often, we do not learn from experience, repeating the same mistakes, sometimes in larger proportions.
“Civility” is certainly desirable. So is “reality.”