Sep 11 2009

Politics as it should be

In praise of civility.
by Don Blubaugh

I was riveted to the television recently watching the events of Ted Kennedy’s death and all that followed leading to his burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

Three things struck me about the events. First was the outpouring of love from his family members. It is easy in the world of politics and fame to leave behind those that are close to you. Kennedy had his priorities in order.

Second, his life was congruent but not perfect. His belief in support of those less fortunate, for middle-class American and for seniors was real and not a political front. He spoke what he believed. His views were not shaped by a zeal for re-election. For those who shared his views and respected the man, there was much public outpouring.

Third, and most important, was the respect shown for him by two political adversaries — Orrin Hatch and John McCain. While Kennedy was honored as a Lion of the Senate, these two adversaries, lions in their own right, were among his close friends. They could set aside their philosophical views on politics and fashion compromise, as they did numerous times, in the best interests of the American people.

They did this without compromising principle but by realizing in a world of differing views, it is best to find common ground rather than victory. By doing so, politicians serve the public and not themselves.

There is something nostalgic about what I saw. Because we see so little of it today. I yearn to see more of this in our legislators in Sacramento and Washington.

Civility and collaboration have eroded, brought on by the extremists of both political parties gaining control of their candidates. To these there is little tolerance of any point of view other than the one they hold, and they turn against even their own if the line is not toed.

Add to this term limits here in California and it is virtually impossible to achieve any bipartisan accord because there is no legislative history and no opportunity to develop trust, camaraderie and respect among our legislators so that they might act for the common good.

What is left are partisan bickering and inaction, and a public that views politicians with diminishing favor.

We must demand more of those whom we elect to office; we must reject extremist’s views and be more tolerant of each other. We need to lessen the invective and study issues for ourselves.

When we do not, we allow an environment that fosters calling the president a Nazi, questions the motives of the president speaking to our kids about the need to stay in school and work hard, or misleads people to believe death panels are included (not true) in proposed health care legislation.

We need to study more and not listen to the rhetoric that flows from extremists among us. We could begin by reading and listening to advocates of both sides of an issue. If you are tuned only to the Fox News Channel or MS-NBC, you are limiting your input on issues. Public policy is more than a sound bite or name calling. It requires some work to sort out the facts from rhetoric, but that’s what we must do.

Until we do that, the likes of Kennedy, Hatch and McCain will be few and far between. They could be the last of an era, and we will suffer for it.

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Blubaugh is a member of the Times citizen editorial board and a former city manager of Walnut Creek, Fremont and Martinez.