The majority of today’s American politicians lack civility, as personal attacks have become part of the political culture. The political immaturity and rigid mentality of American politicians have created a barrier that prevents the lawmakers from understanding the differences and compromising to solve problems.
The moderate language and calm voices of politicians are no longer heard during debates; instead, they are turning their political steering wheels very far left or very far right. The middle lane between the left and the right does not exist any more as the American people have only one of the two routes to take, and indeed neither one can lead to a complete satisfaction.
The degradation of political opponents and false accusations are unfair techniques that cause reputation damages of the American politicians, which have increased, and such can devalue the democratic process and impact the voters in their decision making during the elections. The lack of fairness in speeches and statements with political turmoil has eroded the civility of debates and conversations.
The actions of the leaders can definitely impact the political environment in the U.S, which perturbs the American people. On September 11, the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, as people grieved and remembered their loved ones killed in the World Trade Center, the politicians did not pause their conflicts and used the anniversary to intensify their verbal attacks and accusations against each other.
The Republicans accused the democrats of sympathizing with terrorists as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was among those who were accused of such an act. Such an accusation has created a stressful environment for many people across the City.
However, on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack, America needed a unifying speech from the leaders, but seemingly the nation is missing such a leader.
With no doubt, it is a divided America as hate speeches resonates in every corner of the nation and contributes to violence. The importance of being mindful in today’s politics is to realize the purposes behind the political propaganda and prevent hate and agitation in the politicians’ speeches, which lead to disturbance.
Finding a common ground to establish a foundation and bring solutions to solve the nation’s issues can be seen as a political maturity of the politicians. This is what most American politicians are lacking. However, the American people still remember the peaceful relationships between the politicians and the leaders as their political disagreements did not create hate or bigotry.
Former Republican President George W. Bush’s speech congratulating former Democrat President Barack Obama’s 2008 election victory showed the American people the meaning of a leader understating democracy and accepting the fact of the democratic election.
I had a warm conversation with president-elect Barack Obama, I congratulated him and Senator Biden on their impressive victory. I told the president-elect he can count on complete cooperation for my administration as he makes the transition to the White House…” Former President Bush stated.
Such a reaction and a professional demeanor were not limited to former President Bush, and the conservatives did not only hold such a character. The liberals presented themselves with characters and morals as they served American values as well. Former President Obama’s moving eulogy at Republican Senator John McCaine’s funeral in 2018, showed the Americans how a leader should speak and represent a nation during the loss of one of the valued members, Senator McCaine.
Former President Obama’s moving eulogy at Senator McCaine’s funeral can be a lesson of respect and friendship, regardless of the political disagreement, for today’s politicians.
“We came to celebrate an extraordinary man, a warrior, a statesman, a patriot, who embodied so much that is best in America.” Former President Obama stated.
After listening to today’s American leaders, the American people should miss yesterday’s leaders.
