This election cycle has created a political virus. It continues to spread and infect the populace. It’s chief symptom is the peoples lack of confidence in the USA to persevere.
Unfortunately this sickness is widespread and crosses all boundaries: political, ethnic, religious and economic. It is unique to this period. We have had contentious times in our past. But there wasn’t the hype and hyperbole that exists today. It comes in many forms and they are not affiliated with any particular group.
Here are a few examples of how this illness is manifested. It is usually posited as to what will happen if a candidate is not elected: “the world will end, “democracy is over,” “there will be a civil war” and “I will move out of the country.”
This country has endured terrible times since its inception. Perhaps there is a segment of the population that is not versed in its history. One of my reasons for being is because of the Hallmark Movie Channel and its guaranteed happy endings. But few people can escape all of the horrors that have been visited on this nation.
We have survived and prospered after world wars, economic crashes, a civil war, dramatic cultural shifts and terrorist attacks. Some of the effects have endured and scarred us. But it never caused the vitriol and personnel animosity that exists today.
Disagreements were always aimed at the candidates and their policies. What is most disheartening is the effect the virus has on personnel relationships. We have entered into a different world because currently this invective is aimed at a candidate’s supporters.
The current climate has caused friendships to end and families to splinter. People no longer differ on the usual issues. Now the other side is called ignorant, racist, stupid, extremist and much much worse. It seems “agree to disagree” is no longer part of our language. People actually wish other people dead!
Hatred is understandable. There is a dark place in my heart for anyone who doesn’t agree that “The Three Stooges” should be enshrined on Mount Rushmore. But that’s perfectly reasonable and makes sense. To loathe someone over politics is a tremendous waste of an emotion.
Taking a lesson from a talk show is instructive to our current climate.
William F. Buckley, the famous conservative writer, hosted a talk show. His program, “The Firing Line” lasted for 33 years. Each week Buckley would invite folks from all walks of life. His favorite guests were people with whom he vehemently disagreed. They would verbally savage each other for the entire hour. Much of it was done with biting wit. Yet at the end of the hour there would be mutual respect if not outright affection on everyone’s part. It was the type of discourse that is sorely needed now.
This country continues to be the envy of the world. Its accomplishments as well as its shortcoming are well known. Going forward it will continue to flourish, make mistakes and attempt to correct them. One of its many enduring qualities is that this will take place in full view of the world.
The reason is simple. It’s because the USA’s continued success will be grounded where it always has been, with its people.
Vincent Turley lives in Hartford.