September 2021
Every Friday for nigh on 15 years, the guys meet for breakfast to discuss politics and Husker maladies. After four years of timidity, some now want to discuss the Biden White House. Their reawakened principles are predictably partisan. Some of the breakfast bunch floated that since another Biden term seems unlikely, what would a viable 2024 Republican look like?
You made ten thousand promises you couldn’t keep. I forgave you when you lied, pleaded and weeped. Put up with your disrespect and neglect. What an experience, I’ll never forget (Bonnie Raitt & Delbert McClinton, I Need a Good Man).
To avoid political quagmires, we erected a few bumper rails. For example, supporting a good idea while condemning a bad idea, regardless of whose idea it was. While that flies in the face of team sport politics, it’s pretty wise. No one benefits when office-seekers take calculated positions to win elections at the expense of good governance.
Second, the credit, or the blame, for things occurring on your watch goes to the incumbent. As Pete Ricketts told me, “You play the cards you’re dealt.” So no whining and stop shifting blame.
Third, some language is loaded. If you want to have an engaging conversation, language matters.
You better stop (and) think about what you’re saying, I was seriously dedicated (to you).
Finally, a former official shared criticizing “the other party is part of the fun.” They don’t call it politics for nothing. Expect some rancor and “truth bending” if it means rallying the base. Wish as we might, office-seekers are as imperfect as you and me. Mudslinging works.
If there’s one thing I’d bet my last dollar on, it’s that Nebraska’s prairie populism is moderate, centrist and fed up with the growing hyperpartisanship of the last 30 years. Oh yeah? When was the last time you voted for a national candidate instead of against the opponent? So if you’re looking for a new dance partner in the next cycle, here are some points to ponder:
One: Think about the things government could actually do that would improve your quality of life. Define those things, then find candidates who share your views. Avoid far-fetched agendas or those focused on overtly loaded partisan arguments such as the Green New Deal, voter ID, or critical race theory. To paraphrase Ed Koch, “If you agree with six of my positions, vote for me. If you agree with all my positions, get your head examined.” Be discerning rather than gullible.
So hard to see so far ahead, when I can’t seem to drag myself out of bed.
I gotta find a good (wo)man.
Two: Identify real-world issues. My group leans toward fiscal concerns like jobs, the economy and government spending. A fair criticism of Biden’s administration is overspending. However, Rush Limbaugh said, “Nobody is a fiscal conservative anymore. All this talk about concern for the deficit and the budget has been bogus for as long as it’s been around.” Today, we have a federal government Americans are unwilling to pay for. It’s a moral disgrace and both parties are guilty. Since neither taxing nor growing our way to a balanced budget has worked over the long term, an honest office-seeker will advocate simultaneous tax increases and cuts.
Three: Those who rely too heavily on loaded partisan terms or ideas are surreptitiously pushing societal division. Good candidates seek unity and are willing to compromise.
Four: Significant racial progress appears close at hand. Speak directly to this issue but ask questions first.
Five: Birthrates for Whites and Blacks have been declining for decades. Either fix immigration laws (and for God’s sake solve DACA now!) or support technological development that fills empty jobs.
Six: Energy use is paramount. The evidence is overwhelming. Climatologists agree, human behavior contributes to our changing climate. Office- seekers who deny the science are daft. From droughts to flooding, from wildfires to deforestation, a viable candidate will provide thoughtful and viable leadership on this issue.
Seven: The last president with military experience was George H.W. Bush. I think we need that experience in the White House.
Finally, look for consistency in word and deed. Saints live in heaven, what we need in Washington is honesty, compromise and leadership.
Till now, everything I did was wrong (I’m sorry, baby). Today you’re free. Gotta find a good woman, gotta find a good man.
JKRETZSCHMAR
ReplyDeleteI appreciate Dr. Galusha’s reasoned commentary on dialogue…about the proper role of government in our everyday lives. I am a firm believer that there is an affirmative for ALL levels of government to play in our daily lives.
I tend to resort to John Adams’ commentary from his 1776 “Thoughts on Government.” Adams, having seen the way English corporations were engaging in political policy making, had some strong beliefs. Here’s a taste.
“Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men.”
The Enlightenment had helped end the “Divine Rights of Kings” and focused on advancing the “common good” as a tenant of “good government.”
So, in my mind, the proper role for government is to use our shared resources in ways that protect and empower ALL of us EQUALLY. I believe that to be a moral mandate.
Then the discussion should focus on what are the legitimate protection and empowerment functions of government? And secondarily, do those institutions that carry out the protection and empowerment functions have the resources required to effectively and efficiently carry out their mandates.
There is a whole lot of room for honest back and forth within that framework.