So I am freshly back from Washington, D.C. and it is the day after the midterm elections. Politics are on my mind, as well as an individual’s role in the political process.
I have always made an effort to stay informed and engaged in current events, as well as local and national politics. Becoming aware of problems that our country faces, and understanding what we can do to take part in it, is a power that every American can possess. That power can give you the tools to make effective change.
Going into this midterm election, there were several contests that could drastically alter the political climate for the next two years. Since President Obama’s inauguration, he has faced unprecedented adversity. In spite of inheriting the worst economy since the Great Depression and two unsolicited wars, he has made amazing lengths in improving the economy, job market and social climate.
The stimulus bill that was passed in 2009 included the largest single tax cuts since Lyndon Johnson’s administration. The repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Law, restricting homosexuals from openly serving in the military, has been a huge step in the LGBTQ civil rights movement.
Many of the details of the legislation passed by the Obama administration have been overlooked by the mainstream media. The important facts that affect the American people the most have been overshadowed by the extremist voices of cable news and political talk radio. The loudest voices are the easiest to hear, but that doesn’t mean that they are right and that they deserve the attention that is wrought.
At the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, Jon Stewart gave an inspiring oration about the need for rational, moderate political dialogue. He emphasized in an eloquent, non-partisan way that for any progress and improvement to be made, we need to stop listening to the fanatical talking heads who insist that our leaders are socialists, and that everyone of a particular faith is out to hurt innocent people. That dialogue is hateful, unproductive and nonsensical.
“If we amplify everything, we hear nothing,” Jon Stewart said on Saturday.
The fact is, is that there are things to fear in this world. There are dangerous, insidious people whose motivation is to hate, to hurt and to prey on less powerful people. However, grouping individuals together and profiling them because of certain characteristics only compounds the problem. This makes working together to solve the tremendous problems currently plaguing our country impossible.
As a result of yesterday’s elections, congress is now split with democrats ruling the Senate, and republicans ruling the House. With a democratic executive branch and a right-leaning judiciary, a bi-partisan spirit is more important now than ever. As Stewart said on Saturday, “we are in hard times, not end times.”
The need now is not for odious, divisive speech, but for unity in a common goal and proactive action.
TL;DR Can’t we all just get along?
