(I may be dreaming, but could the current president
be the catalyst to bring the parties together? I think some have been hoping for this excuse to separate from Trump.)
Those who “understand” politics will tell you that
it is a matter of compromise. Parties must adjust, give up on absolutes and
accommodate to the circumstances. This is realistic, but a worrisome situation
when we see that politicians are willing to compromise their integrity. Skill
at rationalizing comes in handy in this process.
Those less skilled at rationalization, some loyal
members of the Republican party, now seem to be trapped in an uncomfortable
place, presenting both moral and practical dilemmas. It’s not an uncommon
occurrence, having to deal with a very “difficult boss.” For their own safety
or ambition, they must. Others are in the middle of a slow walk back to
integrity.
Those who spoke out early no doubt harbor a
fear that he will retaliate. Mr. Trump is famous for his capacity to get back
at those who have crossed him. Some Republicans had a moment of principle, when
the tape of him bragging about grabbing women in the genitals came out. They
spoke out, and now have to deal with the foreboding and cloud of what might be
the consequences for this “lapse.”
Even those who didn’t speak out, now deal with the
growing number of situations that make them wonder how long they can be silent,
how long they can convince themselves that their silence will help them achieve
the goals that fit with their politics.
Some are willing to hold on until the bitter end,
trusting the ends justify the means. But there are a few who are coming to
recognize that such times create the opportunity for patriotism, even heroism
Some are so committed to the country and to their
own personal integrity that they will oppose what is going
on. Moreover, there are members of the Republican party with such
solid positions that they may not be vulnerable. They have less to lose in
their opposition. There may even be some willing to risk their wonderful
committee appointments or even their reelection to do what is right. Such
leaders may give courage to others.
Others are astute at sniffing the air – they know
the direction things are going and opportunism is their motivation. They have
seen things in their constituents that have made it clear that they cannot just
go along with situation in the White House.
A
third group is just practical. They’re the ones saying, “What?” What’s
being proposed from the White House just does not make sense. They look at the
funds that hard working citizens must give up to them. They see themselves as
responsible to carry out their duty as honest, practical fiduciaries.
So whether from heroism, opportunism or pragmatism,
there are those in the Republican party who have an opportunity to step up and
to do what is right
During my graduate research I studied the
development of moral reasoning, analyzed my data in the morning and watched the
Watergate hearings in the afternoon. I feel a bit of Deja vu—I watched the
testimony of people at the lowest levels of moral reasoning, controlled by
self-interest, authority or affinity to a group like them. It was rare but
exhilarating to see the few who functioned at the true level of principle.
There are signs of it now in the Grand Old Party. In an earlier op-ed in
the Chicago Tribune I lamented that this is not my father's GOP. I hope there
are those in the party who want to resurrect (resuscitate) what was once
"grand" about the party.
When this heroism, pragmatism or even opportunism
emerges, our job is not to gloat, not to say, “It’s about time,” or “I told you
so.” Whatever the reason it will take a measure of courage. For some this step
forward carries with it significant loss. Loss of position or loss of faith in
the party they were devoted to. Some quiet respect and some admiration are
perhaps the best reaction for those of us who see the dilemma that they have
had to struggle through -- to reject the crazy, hateful and inept leadership.
Perhaps they will even be the new leaders that can find the nirvana of common
ground with the other party.
Ironically, this president may actually be the catalyst
for what many thought impossible. The common “enemy”, so obsessed with self and
with so little concern for the country, may bring the sides together to find
shared goals and realize they must work together for the good
of our country.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/593d9fd7e4b014ae8c69e199
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