The State of the Union and my own Idealism
I truly struggled watching the State of the Union address last night. This is a typical response for me, regardless of the party affiliation of the speaker; I just don't like watching political speeches. I used to attribute this to my generational identity; Gen X is not known for its activism. I wondered if it was an attention span thing. if I was borderline ADHD and simply could not focus for that long. So last night, I jotted down a few notes and a question, which I'd like to share with you.
- I can't stand "politics as entertainment" - I am a big fan of technological advance, but I think that television, live web streams, Twitter, and the like have changed the political landscape like nothing else. I first heard about this in reference to the 1960s debate between Kennedy and Nixon; the hot lights made Nixon look nervous and sweaty, while Kennedy looked in control and charismatic. Television viewers favored Kennedy, while radio listeners sided with Nixon (excuse the gross oversimplification, I don't have the time nor have I done the research to fully expand the idea). Fast forward to 2010, and we have news channel reporters speculating that the First Lady wore purple as a statement, a blend of red and blue. Clearly, the way things look on TV matters to someone.
I cannot fault candidates for playing this particular game. As a whole, Americans have sent a clear message: "We will judge you on things like this." In an age where we are taping and transmitting everything, we expect our TV personalities to be polished and shiny. Breaking that illusion can be disastrous for a political candidate. I don't know that an election can be won if you are not willing to play the game.
But what happens if the politics is left out? If character is left out? Can a man or woman get elected simply because they can play the part of a politician on TV? I fear that they can. Our news sources are biased and encourage partisan thinking. They cover the slips and wobbles in image far more closely than they cover the content of what is being said. Every action is "game changing", every speech is "do or die". - Partisan politics drive me nuts - America has a system that re-enforces a two party structure. Politicians elected as Independents are categorized as left- or right-leaning. If we had stayed with colors, there is some hope beyond blue and red. But news is reported and classified on a left/right continuum, which may not be binary, but certainly is polar. It is a system designed for conflict and score keeping, not governing.
- I get twitchy thinking about our three branches of government - the trend nationally has been disturbing. The Judicial Branch, tasked with assessing Constitutionality and interpreting law branches out into making policy with their rulings and, at least on a state level, occasionally telling the Legislative Branch which laws they must pass. The Executive Branch tries to bypass the limitations imposed by the Legislative Branch. The Legislative Branch regularly tries to override the other two by sheer numbers. The checks and balances are being cast aside, which defeats the whole purpose of a three branch system. I like that President Obama "called for" legislation; It reflected an understanding that he, as President, cannot initiate or pass a single law. However, he also made an Executive Order because he didn't feel the Senate was moving fast enough on an issue. If everybody does everything than what is the responsibility of an individual?
All in all, I am fearful for where our political system is headed. We are getting dangerously close to Washington D.C.: Season One has a reality show. It would have drama, strong characters, plot twists, and people would get voted off the island every two years. We could tune in every week to see what was happening, knowing the whole time that nothing was in fact, really happening. I long for a day when I can be undecided on an issue, listen to well thought arguments by passionate leaders, and be forced to think for myself and make a decision on how I will vote. I long for politicians who have the courage to stand up for the people they are supposed to represent, not the party they represent. I wish that shiny, polished politicians looked fake, not appealing.
So my question is this: Do I need to let go of my idealism and accept that the game has been irreversibly changed? Or do I hang on, continue to vote my conscience and pray that others join in? What say you?
Our president is a very charismatic speaker. I felt like he was speaking directly to us as people, but of the parts I did hear, I didn't believe him.
JMO.
I also read the transcript. I think for me, watching the West Wing proved helpful. The state of the union is, in our time and place, a message opportunity - which is distinct from a governing opportunity. A certain amount of realism is called for on our parts, but its okay that it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. That is just your response to it - it doesn't mean you have no hope or that you are disengaging from the process.