Viewing American Politics in Three-Dimension

There are two views of America and together they yield a three-dimensional image of the landscape.  Each view is considered sacrosanct by their separate holders.  Each view sees both perspectives, but they see the contending perspective through their own given lenses.  (And the reality itself, like a 3-D movie image, is ambivalent.)   One view holds fast the essential character of individual responsibility while the other maintains the essential character of communal responsibility.  If they happen to be Christian, one view focuses on the individual and free will while the other focuses on the Good Samaritan question considered almost rhetorical by Jesus—who is my neighbor?  Both views can be righteous at times, and both self-righteous at times.  When self-righteous, both can consider their views “holier than thou.”  When righteousness (when humility) rules both can be cognizant of the essential need for each other.  When self-righteousness ensues, a political season of stalemate exists.  When righteousness prevails, accommodation and compromise are the order of the day. 

The Myopia of the Political Right:  A strong bias for individual rights and responsibilities can overlook the inherent communal fabric of our country.  Attainments are viewed as personal triumphs and personal wealth the result of individual labor.  If one legally becomes a billionaire, then that person “earned every penny.”  The contribution of society at large to make possible this development is overlooked.  If someone is destitute, then that person is entirely to blame.  The contribution of society to this sad development is likewise overlooked.

The Myopia of the Political Left:  A strong bias for communal responsibility can discount individual achievement.  Attainments are viewed as society-based and personal wealth the result of the largesse of the larger community.  If one legally becomes a billionaire, then that person owes it to the circumstances proffered by society.  The contribution of the individual to make possible this development is overlooked.  If someone is destitute, that person is entirely blameless. The contribution of the individual to this sad development is likewise overlooked.

Why We Need Each Other:  The way humans are made a predilection based on indoctrination and experience tends to bias one in the views they hold.  We simply cannot (in this duality of individual and communal responsibilities) count on ourselves to maintain equanimity of judgment.  That is why we need each other.  A three-dimensional view (however adamant we may feel to the contrary) negotiated when necessary in the political arena is the only road to the promised land.

(For related blog see No Lock on Compassion)

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