Michael Adkins
I recently wrote about the disturbing and dangerous polarization among Americans. I noted that hyper-partisanship, a geographic divide creating opposing homogenous communities and groupthink, ideologues and race were major factors creating our polarization. Yet I also wrote we Americans agree on far more than on which we disagree.
In 2020, a report from the international organization, Beyond Change, found that “Americans believe that members of the other party dehumanize, dislike and disagree with their own party roughly twice as much as they actually do.” A University of Maryland study found nearly 150 issues on which a majority of both Democrats and Republicans agree.
Let’s assume if seven in 10 Americans agree on something, they have formed a consensus. On the issue of abortion over 70% of polled said Rowe v Wade should not have been overturned. On climate change 72% understand that it is occurring and 2/3 support a carbon tax on fossil fuel companies. Seven in 10 Americans support same-sex marriages. Nearly nine in 10 Americans think books that discuss race or slavery should never be banned. As for gun control measures 89% are in support, including 84% of Republicans. Seventy-one percent of us wanted taxes raised on the wealthiest 2% to pay for Biden’s Build Back Better plan. As for gun control measures, 89% are in support, including 84% of Republicans. These all fall within our definition of a consensus, yet our lawmakers continue squabbling over them.
How about issues in which we nearly have a consensus? Almost 70% believe marijuana should be legalized and half think cannabis convictions should be expunged. Sixty-two percent of us believe immigrants strengthen the nation. Almost 60% believe institutional racism is a major problem and should be discussed in schools. Sixty-three percent want a ban on high-capacity gun magazines. Six in 10 Americans favor universal voting by mail. Almost seven in 10 want to require states to follow national redistricting standards and two-thirds support the prevention of state lawmakers from overturning elections. Over six in 10 believe government should ensure that all Americans have health insurance coverage and 69% favor Medicare for all. Sixty-three percent want to do away with the Electoral College. These are prime examples of how so many elected officials are not in line with the American people.
With so much agreement, how do we deal with the problem of polarization? First, we must realize that where we have created consensus and demand our elected officials act accordingly. That requires promoting unity at the ballot box and punishing those who ignore our consensus for political gain. Voters need to recognize the dangers of a political party favoring utilizing divisive “culture war” politics to compromise and results for the betterment of the nation. Next, we must realize who benefits from polarization, from a divide and conquer strategy. This includes politically motivated cable TV “news outlets” and extremist internet websites, such as Breitbart, Daily Wars, Info Wars, and their ilk. The inclusion of the word “Wars” in the title should be evidence enough of their extremism and polarizing impact. Big Dollar Donors all too often benefit from dividing the people and angering a segment of the population. Recognizing that fact helps us read between the lines.
As Americans seeking to end our polarization, we must “see” the other person and we must “hear” the other person. A better understanding of who they are, what their views actually are, and why they hold those views is vital to finding common ground. In your discussions, ask the other person to present factual evidence to back their claims. If most of us take these steps, we can again proudly say the United States of America.
Michael Adkins formerly was chair of the Hancock County Democratic Party. Send comments to [email protected].
