Once upon a time in America, politics was a grand stage where Democrats and Republicans engaged in spirited debates not just for the sake of conflict, but to forge consensus and push the nation forward. There was a palpable sense of respect between opposing sides, a belief that, despite differing ideologies, everyone shared a common goal — bettering America. Today, however, the landscape is marred by a pervasive sense of division, driven less by policy and more by identity and divisive rhetoric. (To say the least.)
Identity politics has taken center stage, and with it, a politics of grievance rather than a politics of progress. Political debates have become less about advancing meaningful policies and more about highlighting perceived injustices and amplifying personal grievances. This shift has created a chasm where compromise used to thrive, and respect for opposing viewpoints has all but vanished.
We are trapped in a cycle of outrage and resentment. Every new cycle of news and social media posts brings with it a fresh scandal, a new controversy, and a deeper wedge driven into the fabric of our society. Politicians from both sides have learned that the louder and more sensational their rhetoric, the more media attention they receive. This approach fuels polarization and engenders a culture where political opponents are not just wrong, but evil.
Our current political climate is a far cry from the days when politicians, despite their differences, respected each other’s right to exist in the political arena. It’s not just about nostalgia for a simpler time; it’s about yearning for a political environment where values and integrity come before sensationalism and divisiveness.
Recall the days when politicians like Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas could engage in the Lincoln-Douglas debates — vivid, contentious, yet respectful exchanges that shaped the future of a nation. They didn’t just argue for the sake of argument; they engaged in dialogue to find common ground. These debates were not about winning over the base but about persuading the entire electorate through earnest discourse and sincere debate.
This respect was not confined to the 19th century. Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and you’ll find a Congress where people like Tip O’Neill and Gerald Ford could disagree passionately but still find common ground. They knew that at the end of the day, both sides had to work together to achieve progress. This mutual respect allowed for significant legislative achievements, from the Civil Rights Act to landmark social programs.
Today, however, the narrative has shifted dramatically. We live in an era where political victories are often achieved by dismantling the opponent rather than by advancing a clear, constructive vision. The focus has moved from solving problems to maximizing political gains, and in the process, we’ve lost sight of the core values that once defined American political life.
This isn’t about yearning for an idealized past but recognizing that the principles of respect, integrity, and shared values should guide us once more. There’s a significant difference between engaging in spirited debate and sinking into the muck of personal attacks and divisive rhetoric. We need to bring back a sense of decency, where disagreements are met with thoughtful dialogue rather than inflammatory rhetoric.
So how do we reclaim this lost art of politics? First, we need leaders who are willing to rise above the fray and commit to a higher standard of discourse. We need politicians who aren’t just interested in scoring points but are invested in solving problems. This requires a collective shift in how we, as citizens, engage with politics. We must demand more from our leaders — not just in terms of policy but in their approach to debate and negotiation.
Secondly, we need to invest in civic education that emphasizes the importance of respect and integrity. Understanding the principles of democratic governance and the value of respectful discourse should be foundational. This education should not just be theoretical but should also offer practical tools for engaging in meaningful political dialogue.
Finally, it’s essential that we as a society begin to reject the politics of division. We must seek out and support candidates who are committed to bridging gaps rather than widening them. This means voting for those who prioritize substantive issues and solutions over partisan victories and soundbites.
We can and must strive for a political environment where, despite our differences, we can debate, discuss, and ultimately respect each other as fellow citizens working toward a common goal. This is not a call for a return to the past but rather a vision for a future where politics, once again, is about values and joy rather than division and discord.
—P.
Publisher
As a child my mother said to me, ‘If you grow up to be a soldier, you will become a general. If you grow up to be a monk, you will become the Pope.’ Instead, I grew up to be a degenerate, and now I’m publisher of SCREW.
