Why Can’t We Learn to Compromise?

Several years ago, we took a trip to Washington, D.C. to see the tourist sites: Capitol, Lincoln and Vietnam memorials, and we even got a distant glimpse of the White House. One of the things we watched in the Capitol was a movie about the making of the nation. One of the things that most impressed me (sure I learned it in school, but that was light years ago) was that compromise was a key to the formation of this country.
As the Constitution was being drafted, there was great debate and many different views on representation. Big states wanted more representation. Smaller states demanded an equal voice in making laws. To make a long column short, they decided to compromise. I believe if we had the representatives in Washington today with the task before them of drafting a constitution, we would never have a document.
As a result of that compromise, every state, regardless of size or population, got two (count ’em) two senators. In the House, things were more representative (hence the name) of the population. Populous states got more, sparsely populated places got fewer.
At the end of the fight, it’s likely not everyone was 100 percent happy, but they were at least satisfied. Everybody got a little something of what they wanted. In more genteel times, those chosen to represent voters realized that half a loaf was better than no loaf. If they did not believe that, where would we be today?
What we have witnessed in Congress recently is pitiful to say the least. The opposition is shut out, almost entirely, and that is bad and wrong. Bills are posted for a vote, and there is no discussion. Is that not why we have the system we have in place? The Senate struck down its filibuster provision. We had a health care bill shoved through Congress before anyone had a chance to realize it was the worst document printed on paper. That was due to this total lack of debate and art of compromise.
The prevailing sense on the Beltway, as I perceive it, “It’s my way or the highway. You don’t like it, tough. That’s the way it is.” America was not made that way. If we don’t push for a change the future will portend only worse things, if that is possible.
When we interviewed U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd), I asked if he had met the president. Other than a handshake, no, he said. Could that be because he is an “R” and not a “D?” If that is true, and I have a sneaking suspicion that has much to do with the disconnect, maybe it’s time when we file federal taxes, we declare “Republican” or “Democrat” so that our money can only be used for that party’s desires. See how far that would go. In reality, when the money gets into the federal treasury, it is public money. Thus the public’s representatives, of both parties, should have access to the chief executive, regardless of party or ideology. All of them are sent to do our business. They all work for us. We vote them in, we can vote them out.
Society loves to lecture its young. They are being fed a steady diet of messages about anti-bullying, and that is good. From elementary school, lessons are being taught that it’s not right to bully, or push your ways on someone else, to threaten or intimidate them.
And, it seems, that sense of bullying has gravitated to the local level, encroaching even on comments on articles and columns in this publication. There are a few who refuse to tolerate, even in the slightest, the notion of compromise in thought. Keep in mind, this is still a great country where we are free to express our opinions. We do our best to uphold the First Amendment. We continue to provide a free publication that informs the people of Cape May County. Because of that, we are often ridiculed and criticized, but we have a larger view. We understand the importance of civil public discourse and debate.
Are we endangered who believe that? Seemingly yes. Express a “conservative” point of view, and the “liberal” voice will shout you down, make accusations slinging rash names all in an attempt to put us down, and all because we don’t think those same “liberal” thoughts. We allow their thoughts, because of our belief in debate. Why must they resort to denigrating us or other writers?
Such a mindset does not start locally, nor will it stop here. That we cannot have a civil discourse without resorting to name-calling is sad, but that is a fact. We can only hope it will change for the better.
Too often we have heard someone say, “What happened to the old politicians, who stood on opposite sides of the aisle, but who respected each other for who they were and for the things for which they stood. Such a sense of mutual respect is sorely needed, not only in Washington, but in every statehouse, and on every level of government, yes right down to the local level here in Cape May County.
Go against being politically correct for personal or religious reasons, and I assure you, the “thought police” will visit hell upon the writer simply because they are not thinking as do others. When was it necessary that we all think alike? There is no room for debate or discussion, in the minds of that set of thinkers.
I expressed my view against the minimum wage a few weeks ago. I caught an expected blast from some who heaped insults upon me and for not agreeing with higher wages. They put forth no real substance, just slurs.
As I expressed then, maybe it’s time for a “reeducation camp” where my unpopular thoughts are “cleansed,” and I can happily champion the notion that money will surely flutter down from the sky to pay all those increased wages. There was no offering of how those wages might be paid, other than by higher prices and more costly services, but that just demonstrates “my way or the highway” mentality.
Part of the problem I foresee is there is no willingness to step back and say, “Okay, I can see part of what you say. I could be convinced in part.” When is the last time we heard that from any corner?
Our fine land grew well under a two-party system. That means compromise is something that ought to be taught from grassroots to White House. Since civility begins at home, it wouldn’t hurt to teach our children well from the start the art of compromise is the key to any successful venture.
Compass Points will be on hiatus Dec. 11. The editor’s column will return Dec. 18.