"In politics there's a large divide between losing and being defeated . . . "
Tip and The Gipper: When Politics Worked
Chris Matthews
Simon and Schuster 2013
p. 173
"When Politics Worked?" Is that possible? In today's climate of undiluted stubbornness, it wouldn't seem so. And when compromise isn't seen as an option, we all lose.
I loved reading Ben Carson's books and finding hope. I knew that some of his ideas, In America The Beautiful and in One Nation, if carried out by government, would hurt me. But, for the overall good and for the future of America and coming generations, I determined that someone had finally discovered some workable and sensible solutions. America was worth fighting for.
But, speaking of compromise . . .
I LIKE BLACK AND WHITE BUT, IT AIN'T HAPPENIN'!
I'd make a great Pharisee. I like absolute requirements because it feels like I'll get predictable results. Number one: I'm wrong. Number two: Jesus rebuked the Pharisees rather harshly.
I'd known that I needed to read the other side, whatever that looked like. I, typically, don't vote a straight ticket. To the best of my ability, I try to vote for the best person. That being said, I quit voting for the hot buttons--ones like gay marriage, abortion, etc that both parties "use" to get your vote and mine. Boy, I hate the games!
I ran across this Tip and Gipper book at a sale. I didn't have in mind the opposing viewpoint piece, but it is working in exactly that direction. It's a good read for me.
I'm seeing two men, not playing the rival for the sake of the game and competition; but two men who truly believe their way is best for America. These men (these parties) don't agree. But it isn't about chalking up victories so much as it is about each foreseeing the likely consequences of, for example, heavily taxing the rich or givng them breaks.
I also see the "games." And I'm beginning to see that they are not entirely avoidable. "'We haven't obstructed,' Tip explained. 'I think we fought a good fight as far as the Reagan people are concerned. We stuck to our timetable. We passed the largest tax bill and budget bill in history. It's the President's now. The ball is in his court--the deficits, the interest rates and unemployment.'" p. 171 (emphasis mine)
It seems, at times, that it does a party more good to let the other party hang itself. Call it manipulation or call it wisdom; it's a game. But the score does get settled in the end. The parties and the American people see how it plays out. And, honestly, no one is guaranteed certain outcomes. Black and white ain't happenin'. As it all plays out, we all learn--what works, what doesn't. The unfortunate part, is that often when mistakes are made, no one wants to take credit for them. We, then, not only question the wisdom of leadership but, more critically, their integrity and sincerity as well. And . . . reversing the action and consequences seems impossible.
I'm sure there are politicians who have unhealthy agendas. And frankly, I feel that way about our current administration. But, I'm encouraged by reading about two men who (at least half way through the book) genuinely care for our country and the people--just in different ways.
God, give us leaders who love You and listen to Your wisdom--for only You know outcomes.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
