Ok, what can we compromise on? The polarization of our country has put any positive change to a gridlock...?

Question

If you are a Rep., what things are you willing to compromise and what do you refuse to give up as a platform? Same to Dems. Do you think it's good for our country to be so at odds, do you think we will ever get anything accomplished? A nation divided, can not stand, right? So, let's put it out on the table...what are we actually willing to compromise on?

Well, I can see where James Madison is coming from in some ways...but the gridlock we are facing isn't benefiting anyone but the rich, at least how I see it.

Answer 1

If you look through our history you will see that we've only rarely been on the same page. Even during the War of Independence, only about 30% wanted their freedom. If it wasn't for the hard work of idealistic minorities we'd probably still be an English colony.

If you go by presidential elections, then the last time we were not so divided was during the Reagan era. Generally this country is not very united in thought and belief. And when you think about it, wouldn't it be more like a fascist state if we all believed the same thing?

So I think being completely united is overrated. We need diversity in thoughts and beliefs. It's sad that the truth is not always easy to find, but even if we all knew the same things, we'd still disagree on how to handle things.

I think this kind of diversity is healthy for the country.

Answer 2

The country will survive. It bothers me that so many people are ignorant of our own history that they don't know that there have always been contentious factions and polarization from the very beginning (Jeffersonian Democracy vs. Federalism). And there have been several times when it was MUCH worse, for years at a time. It is like a self-perpetuating feedback loop-- the more people get upset, the more upset they become, and it translates into tectonic shifts in political alignment Although this in itself isn't a bad thing--- we are in the era of the Fifth Party System which has been around for decades now (this started with the New Deal, whose genesis was enabled by the Great Depression). Is the current dissatisfaction with government enough to shift us into a Sixth Party System era? Time will tell...

Answer 3

I think you are way wrong. James Madison wrote that political gridlock is great because it ensures a majority power isn't taking control of the government. Yes, this country has become to polarized, but its only because people are stupid and only vote because of a single issue. There will never be a strong third party in America, just undecided voters and moderates.

Answer 4

I absolutely refuse to give up a strong military. What am I willing to compromise on? Hmmm - that really is a good question. I would be willing to compromise on gay marriage - I think the benefits would outweigh any drawbacks, as long as we made it VERY clear that polygamy and bestiality will NEVER be permissible. (And if you don't think that'll ever happen, do a search for the nutjob who "married" the dolphin)

Answer 5

This polarization is not good for any of us. I believe it's always been there, but recent events have brought it to the public consciousness. We are overdue for a political upset, like the Kennedy's in the sixties. America is strong & I have faith that we can move beyond our petty differences, & find common ground benfitting all Americans & hopefully the world.

Answer 6

Neither Rep or Dem party are monoliths. You will get a multitude on contradictory answers. The level of polarization isn't good, but I don't have a solution.

Answer 7

Totally agree, thus the need for a strong third party.

Answer 8

I think we can all agree on the fact that Hilary Clinton is a horrible candidate for office.