It seems that all we see and hear about are the extremists of each political party. We don't hear much about moderates. What happened to compromise? What happened to finding common ground? Especially between our elected officials, regardless of party affiliation. Without balance, we will fall.
I always found it remarkable and telling that President Kennedy ensured that former President Eisenhower was briefed about the Cuban Missile Crisis, while it was unfolding. John McCone briefed Eisenhower twice during the crisis; both times reporting back to Kennedy about Eisenhower's supportive reaction. President Kennedy then reached out to Ike to discuss his dilemma directly with one of the few men still living who would truly understand what he was facing. Despite the distance between the two men in age, experience and political stance, it was not the first time they had confided in each other and it was not the last either.
What was their common ground? America. Putting America first. Putting Americans first.
What's best for America? When our elected officials work collaboratively with each other. When they find common ground. How do we do that though?
Instead of thinking of 2 sides of a fence, what if we think as if to find the common denominator - the core of the issue on which most of us can agree. Right now, in America, the fence is We the People and we are simply separating the two main parties; making it almost impossible to collaborate for forward motion.
So, let's look at some topics and find common ground that can move us forward:
COVID Relief Packages: We can all agree that the relief packages should actually help with COVID. There have been so many riders on the proposed packages; riders that have absolutely NOTHING to do with COVID. Common Ground: Remove anything that doesn't have to do with COVID.
Speaking of riders, what about when former President Obama lifted the prohibition with the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act? That led to the U.S. State Department and Office of Public Affairs being allowed to create propaganda tailored specifically for U.S. public consumption, using any media as they see fit, while remaining anonymous as the source of the material being reported. Common Ground: Ensure our government is held to a higher standard when in communication with its citizens.
Speaking of COVID, Mask Mandates: While it's been proven that the right medical mask, worn properly and cared for appropriately can decrease the spread of germs, mask mandates aren't that simple. Since mask mandates simply state, "Cloth should be over the mouth and nose", we've all seen where the mask is simply a pretend shield to make us feel better. Common Ground: Same as with the flu - if you're sick, stay home; use heightened hygiene habits like social distancing, frequent hand washing and sanitizing.
Censorship: Let's admit it, censorship in its basic form is tyranny. Freedom of Speech is a pretty damn good thing. The beauty of our 1st Amendment is that it allows differing perspectives to hold as much weight as any other perspective. Common Ground: We don't have to agree on the topic, but we do need to agree that censorship anywhere is a threat to censorship everywhere.
Corrupt Career Politicians: With the same politicians spending decades in their elected positions, it's obvious that the power and corruption is real and happening every day. So, the Common Ground: Term limits for every elected position.
Abortion (elective): The laws are currently contradictory - Abortion is legal, meaning it's not murder to kill the fetus. However, if a pregnant woman is murdered, 2 counts of murder are the standard charges pursued by Prosecuting Attorneys. Common Ground: All life is precious.
Voting/Election Fraud: While we can certainly argue about the length and depth of any alleged voter/election fraud, we can all agree that there is some fraud; enough to be concerned. Common Ground: Only those people legally able to vote should vote. This would also mean that there should be no issues with picture ID or in person voting (some exemptions would apply - our military, for example).
It's time to get back to America's basics. It's time to work together for the common good; not the special interest group or for our politicians. It's time to pass legislation that will help all American's, not just a select few. It's time to hold our elected officials accountable to do what they are elected to do - to represent their citizens; to hold criminals and courts to the laws; to allow our law enforcement to enforce laws; in short, to stand by their oath of office to Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States.