Yesterday, Sam Waterston posted a question on Yahoo Answers, asking people why they thought Democrats and Republicans had become so polarized and unproductive.
That unleashed a flood.
So far, Sam’s question has generated nearly 7,000 replies – a number that will only rise, since the topic will be open for the next month. We were pretty amazed by this response. To put it in some perspective, three of the presidential candidates have also posted questions on Yahoo:
• Hillary Clinton’s (which ran over the winter) attracted about 38,000 answers during the month that it ran
• Barack Obama’s is now active (for another week) and has produced just over 17,000 responses
• Mitt Romney’s has generated around 12,000 replies since it was posted three weeks ago
So Sam’s one-day total puts him in some pretty elite company – and that’s not even mentioning the 15,000 views an accompanying video of his National Press Club speech has so far received (Romney accompanying video, by contrast, has attracted fewer than 5,000 views).
So does this really mean anything?
Well…maybe it simply speaks to the loyalty of Sam’s sizable fan base – and, by extension, the wisdom of NBC’s executives, who earlier this week opted to renew “Law and Order” for an 18th season. (Actually, one of the responses came from a police officer who wanted Sam to know that his career choice was inspired by L&O).
But more important, I think it says something pretty powerful about where the public is right now. We’re entering (already in the midst of?) a presidential election that – more so than just about any other election in history – will define our country’s domestic and global course in ways that will echo through future generations. More people seem to be waking up to this every day – people with serious doubts about whether simply turning the White House over to one of the two polarized political parties will produce the new thinking, new ideas, and actual results that we plainly need. I believe those 7,000 (and counting) people who’ve answered Sam’s simple question are at least open to a third way in 2024.
Anyway, consider this a gentle plea to check out some of the thought-provoking answers to Sam’s question and – if you haven’t done so already – to add your two cents. There are so many explanations for the partisan paralysis that plagues our government and perpetuates festering problems that our country simply can’t afford to ignore any more: This urgency is at the heart of Unity08’s mission.
Here’s a few of the many, many interesting responses to the question, “Why have the political parties become so polarized that they fail to address the concerns of most Americans?”:
From: “Joe W”:
The answer could fill volumes but I see several key problems.
1) Politicians do little actual business and choose instead to constantly run for office. This means constantly raising money and constantly either bowing to lobbist or funding pork projects.
2) Americans have an entitlement attitude. Not just in benefits, but in solutions. The population expects government to do everything and fix every problem. No government can do this. People need self reliance.
3) Sound clips of arguments get more air time than real honest debates on the issues
4) Combine the above and it is easy to point out which person is not doing what for whom. Everybody chooses sides and points to the other guy.
5) Because I haven't been appointed supreme benevolent dictator yet.
The list could go to infinity, but I keep coming back to #5. haha. I will take a look at Unity08
From “Coventry”:
Because politicians are crooks. They cater more to the special interest groups that slide them kick backs and campaign contributions. If given the chance I believe most politicians would whore out the AMERICAN people for their own benefits
From “Cheeezball2003”:
Our entire political system revolves around the two-party system, and that system is old and outdated. This leads to every issue, whether political or not, to become segregated into Republicans vs. Democrats…I am a Democrat (if you will) but I disagree with several of our party leaders, and I will vote accordingly. Being a registered party member does not mean that you have become a puppet. In fact, parties should encourage their members to be diverse, such as the Log Cabin Republicans, so as to broaden their understanding of all issues.
