Hope for Dialog
It’s hard not to be a cynic when it comes to government administration of services, particularly when I see public works projects taking so much time that I think my brother and I could have done it in half the time with a pick axe and shovel. And, of course, the job is so expensive that if my brother and I were to do it for the same price, we’d achieve early retirement.
So, no, this liberal doesn’t want government doing what it often does. Nonetheless, it’s hard for me to listen to the criticism of President Obama when it’s goes in the direction of “Why are we in such trouble?” I don’t see why his use of the massive government apparatus in the middle of war, financial break-down, and ecological crisis is wrong. What do people want? To do nothing? Even George Bush did something.
In fact, Bush and the Republican-led Congress expanded government enormously, adding to the deficit when we had been watching it diminish, expanding a war without just cause (and asking for hardly any national sacrifice), and ignoring ecological problems.
I want a civil government that is efficient, provides appropriate oversight, but doesn’t get in the way. I want a government that is opposed to war, just as people hesitate before fighting (Is this worth it? we all ask.). I want a government that expects accountability and lets failure happen when it’s the mistake of the person or corporation and won’t overwhelm those who can’t absorb the losses. I want a government that is deliberate and simple. Even with Obama and the Democrats in control, we don’t have those things. But I can’t see how Republicans are helping the issue, for I don’t hear civility, opposition to war, accountability, reasonableness, simplicity, and patience. I don’t hear that from anyone except Obama, whose governing demeanor is different than what we’ve had for nearly two decades.
I’m not happy with the way things are or the way things are going, but I think the kind of deliberate, friend-making leadership Obama offers is worth a try. Yes, there are enemies, but there are two ways to destroy an enemy: kill it (which usually creates other enemies) or befriend it (which changes both parties).
I tried to see the good in Bush when I found myself disagreeing and mistrusting his leadership. In fact, I’ve tried that with every politician I’ve disagreed with, for I find it personally comforting to remember that most of our politicians have a good heart. They might be, in my opinion, wrong, but, like me, they want to solve some problems. Plus, I notice that the ones who are open to dialog actually have some good ideas that, balanced with other opinions and ideas, often turn into great ideas.
I’m glad Obama is President, but I’m also glad there are Republicans willing to talk with him, with me, with Democrats. I think the philosopher Hegel was right: a good thesis combined with its antithesis creates a synthesis that is the best idea.