The great divide in American politics is the dilemma between the new world we are moving to and the old world most Americans still live in today. The old world is dying and the great divide to the new world of promise and stability is a mighty river that is impossible to cross without the construction of a viable bridge that allows safe passage.
And this is the problem that our political leadership from either major party is not willing to confront. Instead, we have deadlock while both sides vie for political power. Our President laments the problems he inherited while promising to build the new industries of tomorrow. He warns us that we have a long way to go. This is hardly a clarion call to optimism.
Our loyal opposition promises to stop the President’s programs. Somehow we are to believe this is going to solve the issue of the great divide. Obstruction is not a viable program for the future. So where does that leave us? I believe in serious trouble unless we find the political will to resolve the current paralysis of our political debate.
The political will to do so is going to have to come from the people. The initiative must come from the people since our leadership provides us with no alternative. Do we have the stomach for it? Do we have the courage to say enough of “attack politics” and demand a return to a reasonable debate of the issues – or are we as stupid as the politicians seem to think we are?
The problem is further exasperated since a significant number of people are already on the other side of the river, leaving most of the middle and working class behind. They did not need a bridge since they were on the other side from the beginning. This worked as long as the dying side of the river was provided the means for survival for those still there – the gap between the two sides, while uncomfortable, was manageable.
The financial and tech worlds always start from the good side of the river - the financial world because they control the resources and the tech side because they are the future. The folks on the other side depend on the status quo to survive – and the status quo is dying rapidly.
The tragedy of our political debate is both sides are partially right, but because of the caustic rhetoric and desire for power, neither side is willing to frame the political debate in a clear, constructive and persuasive manner.
We need the President’s programs and that should be obvious to all. The economy was stabilized and the foundation for the future was built. Then the emphasis shifted to the needs for the future and where we need to go, all admirable and necessary. However, what was left out was the present and that is what the bridge is all about.
The loyal opposition is also right. We need frugality and we need efficiency from our government. Our future desperately needs well-managed government. But they overstate their case for political reasons and obstruct any attempt to build a meaningful bridge to the future.
We need the future, we need financial stability, and we need well managed government, and while preparing for the future is critical, you cannot sacrifice the present, especially when the sacrifice is not equally shared.
Simply said the viable bridge for the middle class is more than a metaphor. It is rebuilding our infrastructure and the jobs that will create. We cannot ignore the present and expect to have a future. We still need to move to the future but we need to travel the road together.
What is missing is the political will and courage from our political establishment to frame the debate honestly. Our infrastructure is falling apart and because the political debate has made this “old school” thinking this alarming fact no longer seems relevant to the argument.
All of this takes place while other emerging and established economies around the world are making massive investments in their present and future infrastructures. We might not have a future if we do not save the present. When the American people sense an honest debate, the people will respond. But even better, we, the people should demand an honest debate on the issues now, or we can expect more of the same – and that can only mean a weaker America. We deserve better than this.
Brother Giovanni, PNS Worldonian Bureau Chief, Pizzaonian News Service -portalized repeat - 9:30 AM to Worldonia
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