Don’t our politicians seem too much in love with their ideas? It’s as if the Democrats are on a honeymoon that should have ended long ago, and the Republicans are stuck in abusive relationships. No wonder there’s no consensus. They need marriage counseling.
Democrats love their ideas in a dewy-eyed, forgiving way that is idealistic to the point of being blind. Things are good, as are people and communities, so they deserve patience and forgiveness. Policies feel good because of the noble intentions they affirm. The future will always be better than the past because we’re together. Collective action feels good. The people around us give things to us, and visa versa. Better understanding the needs of others yields better governance.
You can just imagine two people on their honeymoon, only the trip has gone on far too long. Riots rage in the streets as the lovers stare at one another in the protective comfort of their hotel room (for which they will never be able to pay).
That’s why Democrats are so bemused when they talk on TV or via blog posts. They can’t believe the Republicans are so mad about their ideas. Don’t they know how to relax? It’s funny the way they talk. Clearly, they can’t be serious about cutting budgets and making everyone suffer. Democratic ideas are the right ones, which is why they love them.
Republicans love their ideas in a painful, disappointed way that constantly reminds them of life’s shortcomings. Things are bad, as are most people and communities, so they require correction and limits. Policies feel bad because of the failures they must address. The past will always be better than the future because we’re on our own. Collective action hurts. The people around us take things away from us, and visa versa. Better understanding of my own needs yields better governance.
You can just imagine two people locked in an abusive relationship in which time together hurts because it’s angry and a sad shadow of what it once was. Any moment of pause must be followed by more suffering.
That’s why Republicans are so angry, at least the talking heads on cable and the Internet. They can’t believe the Democrats are so happy about their ideas. Don’t they know how to get serious? It’s maddening how they talk. Clearly, Democrats can’t be serious about spending more money and making everyone better off. Republican ideas are the right ones, which is why they love them.
There’s no policy or collaborative discussion possible when both sides are so lost in their own love fantasies. The Democrats are getting ready for another bout of extended lovemaking while the Republicans gird themselves for another round of arguing. The ideas they each love can’t occupy the same space. Or debate. Or planet.
Who will counsel them? You’d think the Constitution would provide some foundational platform for agreement, but with a list of Republican governors refusing to implement elements of the Affordable Care Act because they’ve decided it’s not Constitutional — in spite of the Supreme Court finding otherwise — I’m not sure I see how the elected representatives from either side will ever get back on speaking terms. The marriage may be irrevocably broken. Divorce may be the only option.
Maybe one side needs to get unelected?
