Uncivil Discourse

We are an angry society these days. I’ve suspected that for a while and the events of the past week have only served to reinforce my suspicions. Probably the most famous (or infamous) in recent days is the Jet Blue Flight Attendant, Steven Slater, upon whose back, apparently, the final straw was placed. Spouting epithets and expletives, he chided a passenger after gate arrival and then chose to deplane via an emergency escape slide after securing two “roadies” in the form of beer taken from the aircraft’s galley. Hero or goat, his behavior exemplifies a workforce that sees itself as underpaid, overworked, and under-appreciated. Other, more serious, examples are abundant where, instead of “take this job and shove it”, it’s “if you take my job I’ll shoot you”.

Co-starring in this week’s “hit” parade is the McDonald’s customer who, upon learning that the hour was too early for McNuggets, got out of her car and commenced striking the drive-thru employee through the open window. And when the employee moved out of range, the deranged driver threw a bottle through the glass window. Somewhat over the top, wouldn’t you say?

OK, so we’re agreed that society has some issues. These complaints have boiled over, quite understandably, into the political arena where the left and the right have found their respective niches within the airwaves. Both abound with vitriol, hyperbole, and all-around emotional reports designed to sully the reputation of those associated with the other side. And society, who is already at the boiling point, eats this up. Anything’s better than “them” winning the election, by god. To hell with ideas and agendas.

Incumbents are in danger of losing their elected positions to neophytes with absolutely no understanding of the political animal and its characteristics. The idea that “we’ve got to change Washington and, if you elect me, we can get’er done” certainly strikes a visceral chord. Clean house...throw the bums out...spend less, do more: whatever your favorite slogan, it is nothing more than an oversimplified rallying cry. And while it may bring out the voters, which is a good thing, the votes cast will be done with an emotional purpose rather than an intellectual one and that is a bad thing.

If you’re married or involved in any long-term relationship, you understand a bit about politics. One must pick the proper battle because today’s “opponent” may be tomorrow’s ally. The notion that one politico from one district can step into the Congress and whip it into shape is naive. And the farther from the middle of the political road one is, the harder it will be to get anything done.

No, while I may agree that partisan politics has taken over the process, it seems to me that we need more moderates, not less. Compromise lies somewhere in the middle of any debate. Standing in opposite corners makes discussion difficult, at best. And without this give and take, progress is hard to find. Of course, what with it being the 21st century and the “all about me” mentality, it’s easy to see why there is a dearth of compromise and progress within most legislative bodies.

Many of us are passionate about subjects that fall within our political undertakings. I see nothing wrong with this and encourage it through debate and discussion. But to simply fold one’s arms and take an unmoving position denies all participants of any kind of progress towards a better day. And the ensuing stalemate only adds to our anger. I can only hope that calm, educated voters carry the day this November. If the erudite give way to the erratic, more troubles lie ahead, to be sure.