2008 Woodie Awards
Mudslinging masks real issues
Ian Parker '10
Issue date: 11/3/06 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 2 next >
For the last several years, an important topic of political conversation has been the incredibly partisan atmosphere in government. It seems that the number one duty of political parties is not to present credible alternative leadership or represent their region, but rather to implacably oppose whatever the other party offers, no matter how sensible it may be. When they're not reflexively opposing whatever others have to say, they're spreading incomplete or blatantly false "facts" about their opponent. Unfortunately, this type of governing is becoming common. Both Republicans and Democrats practice it, and the rancor it leads to is bad for our country.
In an election season such as the one we are in right now, it becomes increasingly obvious that this viciousness will inevitably lead to yet another round of accusations and counter-accusations, all without much getting done in the business of running our country. Moderates willing to work with the other party are a very rare breed, and their rarity affects our government's ability to compromise and enact sensible policies. Political moderates, rather than ideologues, are the ones who are really capable of improving the nation. Their ability to work with others leads to the sort of well-thought-out policies that ultimately benefit everyone.
If one were to take a poll of people around the country, one would find that the vast majority would describe themselves as political moderates. It seems clear that politicians today do not share those same moderate roots. Instead, they cater to the loudest, angriest, looniest parts of our country, ignoring those voters with a mix of views. They violate the most sacred duty of their job: to represent every citizen in their area of responsibility, not just the ones who voted for them. Most states and districts in our county are made up of a mix of liberal, conservative, and moderate voters, and our representatives should reflect this diversity of views. This cop-out by our elected leaders should not be tolerated.
In an election season such as the one we are in right now, it becomes increasingly obvious that this viciousness will inevitably lead to yet another round of accusations and counter-accusations, all without much getting done in the business of running our country. Moderates willing to work with the other party are a very rare breed, and their rarity affects our government's ability to compromise and enact sensible policies. Political moderates, rather than ideologues, are the ones who are really capable of improving the nation. Their ability to work with others leads to the sort of well-thought-out policies that ultimately benefit everyone.
If one were to take a poll of people around the country, one would find that the vast majority would describe themselves as political moderates. It seems clear that politicians today do not share those same moderate roots. Instead, they cater to the loudest, angriest, looniest parts of our country, ignoring those voters with a mix of views. They violate the most sacred duty of their job: to represent every citizen in their area of responsibility, not just the ones who voted for them. Most states and districts in our county are made up of a mix of liberal, conservative, and moderate voters, and our representatives should reflect this diversity of views. This cop-out by our elected leaders should not be tolerated.
Be the first to comment on this story