The term “politics” refers to the way countries are governed, and to the ways that governments make rules and laws to manage the human society properly. It comes from the Greek word ‘Poly’ (πoλυ-) which generally means “many.” It is an inclusive word that is kinda all embracing.
Today in America, and in many other places, Politics has become more like a war game than a unifying endeavor. It seems to focus more on the Few, not on the Many. It is Us against Them – – and never the twain shall meet.
In the 2024 election Democratic Harris won 48.3% or 75 Million of the popular votes while Republican Trump secured a decisive electoral vole but only 49.8% of the popular vote (77 million). I would not call his win a clear ‘mandate’ of the people – – – but he is governing like it was.
There are broadly two forms of government: Democratic & Authoritarian, with a few shades of each. The Democratically elected are accountable to the people and remain in power with the blessings of the people. Autocrats are rarely accountable to the people and most often remain in power by the support of a military, whose loyalty has been attained, often by devious means. That is not Trump; he was democratically elected – – – but is inflated by his unique power as leader of the free world and, in too many areas, is demonstrating autocratic tendencies.
((Open admission: I have always considered myself aligned with the Republican political platform, but I have difficulty accepting that all Republican actions are good and all Democratic aspirations are bad.))
A president must be the leader of the entire country not just of one political party. Yes, elections have consequences, but half of the country cannot be left behind until the next election. To really make America great again, we need the thoughts, the ideas and the energy of all the people, not just half the people. None of is as smart as all of us.
I’m old enough to remember the times when leaders on both sides of the aisle came together to evolve a position with which both sides could live, hopefully one that advanced the national interest. No side got all it wanted but the greater interest of the nation was preserved. Unfortunately, today each party seems preoccupied with opposing the other’s position and only rarely compromising in the national interest.
Many of the current administration’s initiatives are clearly warranted – – securing our borders, deporting known criminal elements, eliminating widespread waste & duplication and addressing unfair trading practices. But how things are done is sometimes as important as what is done. We have alienated too many friends and allies. Instead of quiet one-on-one diplomacy we have tried to impose our will on others, not because we must but because we can. While at times such action might be justified, is anyone even thinking about the possible long term consequences? Trump may have a bunch of good ideas and programs, but the way he goes about achieving them alienates too many people. You are way less inclined to support someone you just can’t like. That’s Diplomacy 101.
- – – – Just the view of a common man
Views of a Common Man 