samedi 8 février 2014

There's No Lack Of American Political Commentary

By Jerri Perry


American political commentary abounds. You can access it on your computer, read it in the mornings newspapers, watch it on your choice of television channel, listen to it on the radio, or engage in it yourself around the water cooler or across the dining room table. It's almost overwhelming, if you really care about the issues. Sifting truth and fact from propaganda and obfuscation is very hard, which is why many citizens choose a news outlet and depend on it for insight.

America is currently a fragmented society. Racial tensions, conservative versus progressive values, and differing opinions on economic issues, foreign policy, and the role of government have made working together hard on many levels. Unfortunately, money is involved in every area of life, and this fact helps to make both public and private people biased and inflexible.

Both conservative and liberal commentators become celebrities, and people love calling in to add to the discussion or leaving comments on blog sites. The issues are so complex that people often are undecided about which view is most worthy of their support. The underlying view of the world that each contributor holds often defines their position, which is why there are such great differences in opinion on every topic.

The mainstream media seems determined to steer public opinion in a liberal direction by seizing on every error on the conservative side and glossing over mistakes made by the administration and Congress. Major legislation is ignored while celebrities are given headline attention.

Conservatives often have a Christian worldview, which makes absolutely no sense to those who are more humanistic - they would say practical. Conservatives tend to favor less government interference in daily life, education, and the marketplace. Progressives think that government should take care of needy people regardless of the cost, feel that free enterprise leads to income inequality, and think that social programs are key to a stable society.

A balanced budget amendment, agreement on the role of government on both state and federal level, and an adherence to the United States constitution would erase most differences and give commentators much less to rave about. Without this sort of structure, however, it's difficult for the two main political parties to work together. When representatives adhere to party politics at the expense of the country at large (again, a matter of perspective and opinion), people lose faith in their leaders.

Controversy rages on many subjects. Those who receive benefits don't want to give them up, while the taxpayers who pay for them feel unjustly burdened. Some lawbreakers receive unduly harsh punishment under federal minimum sentencing laws, while illegal aliens are clamoring for amnesty, rights, and services. Public schools fail to educate, while parents question the federally-funded curriculum. Failing banks, working with government regulations and requirements, are bailed out while many people lose their homes as their jobs evaporate.

Well, there's a lot to say, and American political commentary is saying it. Whether you are afraid of climate change or think the sun is in charge, think marriage is between a man or a woman or think it's more open, think the states should run the schools or like the Common Core, you can find support for your position. God help us all.




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