We the People

Attempting to govern a country grounded on political ideology alone — left or right — is at the very least pure laziness and at the very worst a clear betrayal of the people our politicians were elected to serve. No wonder this Congress has been called “do-nothing,” and its approval ratings continue to languish around 15 percent.

In a recent Democratic Party Platform of Principles and Values there is a statement that reads, “In America hard work should pay off, and responsibility should be rewarded, and each one of us should be able to go as far as our talent and drive take us.” Likewise, the very conservative Republican Liberty Caucus has written their own Statement of Principles and Positions that includes the following, “Every individual has the right to the fruits of their labor and the responsibility to support themselves and their families.”

Keeping “responsibility” in mind as a shared value and considering how government can increase the self-reliance of all its citizens seems like a worthwhile place for our leaders to begin bridging the partisan gap. It might also go a long way to restore pride in Congress and to move this country forward again.