By Bob Beanblossom
22 November 2016
It seems to me that we are failing as a nation because we have stopped acting like a nation. Early Americans were individualists who were strongly community-oriented. That is why our Constitution has limits on federal powers. Over the years we have changed from this position of self-will and self-support to the belief that the government is the source, the custodian of power, wisdom, and support. The backlash we see from the latest election shows a variation of the original theme. With half of the voters holding to the liberal stance and the other half claiming a conservative position, the distinction falters if one digs a little below the surface.
There is little difference between the majority of liberals and conservatives at the fundamental level: Both have forsaken the unity, cohesiveness, and a desire for the common good that our forefathers had. We have adopted a decidedly egocentric lifestyle. It is Me first, Me last, and Me in between. The chosen path to the exalted Me decides the liberal/conservative tag, not the motive. We have become the “I’ll do it my way” nation. We not only expect, but demand, that our preferences be met at any expense. Vitriolic posts on social media, violent demonstrations, and murder for the most superfluous excuses all point to this Me-ism.
As incoming Mr. Trump makes conciliatory speeches and reaches across dividing lines to establish his cabinet, outgoing Mr. Obama encourages the demonstrators (as he did throughout his administration) and threatens repercussions if his ‘legacy’ is dismantled–no matter what the will of his ‘subjects.’ As a prime example of this Me-ism mindset, Mr. Obama has never understood that the world is not in lock step with him. It is inconceivable to him that anyone, let alone almost everyone (an exaggeration, I know, but I am illustrating) is out of step with him. He is not the problem, just an example of the symptom. This is not to suggest that Mr. Trump is perfect. But then, neither am I, nor are you.
If egocentricity (Me-ism) at the expense of the common good is the problem, what is the solution? The first step is for each of us to examine our own motives. Forget the grand sounding platitudes. Look at attitudes as expressed in behavior: How do I act, What do I do when I have a choice, and What doo I not do when I have the same choice. Our choices range on a continuum from extreme self-interest to altruism, or a sense of community.
Attitudes are ours. We need to get over the nonsense that we are victims of our ‘situations,’ that we are formed by our ‘environment.’ Of course, these are factors in our lives, but are not prime determinants. I would suggest that our relationship with our God is a major factor. At this point, I would also state that atheists who lean towards humanism are also quite capable of productive participation in this type of self-evaluation, and in community.
Consider this: When we join or support an organization that we identify with, a club, a sports team, a church, we to some extent mold our lifestyle to that organization. Our language, attire, and feelings are, to the extent that we identify with that group, a reflection of the values of the organization. We do not support all aspects of the group and its behavior, but adapt as warranted because of our support.
We are part of a group. It is called The United States of America. Some of us were born here. Some of us immigrated because of the perceived values and benefits. It is constantly changing, but–until recently–has at the same time been remarkably consistent to its founding values and practices. Americans throughout our history have disagreed on many topics, but were always Americans, first and last.
Today we revel in tags and hyphens. We are not Americans, we are this-American or that-American, we identify by our sexual behavior (why?), or whatever the current term is for our religious or political beliefs. We have decided not to be Americans. Our legal practice and social mores reflect this group-ism. We breed harmful discrimination in the name of non-discrimination.
The solution is simple, but possibly not obtainable: We must consciously move up that continuum from personal interest toward community. That requires suppressing some of the Me-ism in favor of the group. It requires consensus–not sacrificing ideals, but making sure that our ideals are firmly grounded and not just personal preferences. Sometimes we have to back down on a point to make incremental improvements. Here is where teamwork comes into play. If you strongly believe in a position, sell it, educate others to it; demanding your way is not the solution–it doesn’t work on you, does it?
Another important question is, ‘Why would I want to do this?’ More specifically, why would I give up my all-American stand-on-my-own-two-feet-I-know-better-than-you-do position to be put into a position where I might have to compromise with someone who doesn’t believe like I do? Someone who doesn’t think like I do, dress and groom like I do, smell like I do, isn’t as ‘smart’ as I am?
Survival. Survival of our nation. Survival of our children and grand children. I am a bit amused by the gun folks who have a dozen guns–one for every contingency, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and have expressed the notion that they are ready to take on all comers. Really. Ready to take on highly armed and trained teams with armor and vehicles, and power to observe and deliver that is (obviously) beyond the comprehension of the rugged individualist. That is not heroism, it is suicide, and an abdication of responsibility to persevere and overcome injustice and oppression. I am pro-Second Amendment, so let’s not go there. The discussion is about why I should be willing to be a team player instead of a frail and vulnerable super-hero. Even Superman had his kryptonite.
As poet John Donne expressed in the 1600s, “No man is an island. No man stands alone. Each man’s joy is joy to me; each man’s grief is my own.” If we expect our children and grandchildren to have any significant quality of life in a safe, nurturing environment, we need to recreate that environment in our nation. We need to return to a sense of neighborhood, where we (not Government) support each other, where we work for what we need and want, where respect is foundational and not a discussion item.
We have that ability. We are diverse. The Bible, paraphrased rather broadly, says of us: “Some are fingers, some are toes, some will even be a nose.” In other words, we complement each others skills and interests: we are a team. A football team of eleven star quarterbacks would not get far. A quarterback without a supporting line would be useless. We are each valuable as contributing parts of the whole. We in turn support those who are not able to contribute. Offence without defense is a lost game.
The rule of law prevails. Homicide is homicide. If the law states that homicide rates the death penalty, it should be equitably applied no matter what the victim’s race, rank, profession, or age. If we don’t like the law, there are legitimate ways to change it. You may have to build consensus. Teach, train, exhort, and expound. But do not demand. Again, the latter doesn’t work on you; why should it work for you?
Let me wrap this up. There are too many avenues to explore–but, that’s what you are for. Here it is, in Paul’s words: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called (for this discussion, being a productive American citizen), with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3) Not bad advise. Difficult for our big egos, but good advise.
It takes two things to accomplish: 1) My will, my desire, to unite America, and 2) My ability to do it. The last may require a little help from God to achieve. Try Him. If he requires a particular behavior, He will give you the ability to do it–on His terms.