In light of some recent events on campus, and the election in general, there was something I felt needed to be addressed. This really got me thinking that we need more civility and common sense in American politics.
Everyone knows about the partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C. Furthermore, everyone is tired of it. I wish Congress would be more productive. After all, that’s what we are electing them to do.
In my opinion, one of the main reasons that they can’t be more productive is due to the lack of civility in Washington. In general, people have to restore civility to political discourse, as well.
The presidential election this year does us no favors in terms of civility. Barack Obama and Mitt Romney in 2012 were far more civil than Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, who have made name-calling a normal occurrence in the 2016 election . I believe the damage being done during this cycle is worse than usual as far as encouraging positive discourse in politics.
All I’m getting at is that there is no need to demonize the other side when attempting to engage in productive discourse.
Of course people may disagree with your personal viewpoints, but that is the point, right? The beauty of this country is that you can and will disagree with others.
Polls that came out on Monday regarding the direction of the country were rather telling. At -37 points and -32 points, they showed Americans, by and large, do not agree with the country’s current path.
In the heat of this current election, with the election approaching quickly, I use this opportunity as a plea for individuals on both sides of the aisle to hold themselves to a higher standard and restore civility to politics.
The politics of Washington are on display for all to see. It is time for us to begin demanding more from our elected officials. Our country is at crossroads, and we must choose the right path. If elected officials are civil to one another, who knows what will happen? I can tell you it’d be better than what we have right now.
I feel both candidates on the top of the ticket are the wrong choice for America and will not be good for encouraging civility in American politics. However, I believe there are principled candidates, many of whom I respect very much, who can put their differences aside once they’re elected to Congress.
Let’s be honest: the deterioration of civility and discourse benefits nobody. At this crucial moment in our history, it is of utmost importance that people come together to discuss solutions for problems that must be solved.
This requires a change in culture. Not just in Washington but also on college campuses and everywhere in between.
As a conservative, I doubt I will agree with much a liberal has to say. But it’s key that we discuss our views and find some sort of middle ground and try to find solutions to problems that plague Americans every day.
My hope is that the people and elected officials of this great country will wake up on the morning of Nov. 9 and realize that the lack of civility cannot proceed any longer. I beg the American people to help this change. We certainly are capable.
staranyi@indiana.edu
