Although partisan politics, for better or worse, is a component of the American political system/process, there are times and circumstances when partisanship is little more than gambling with the lives of citizens, when essential priorities must be , proactively, addressed, for the common good! Although, there must be a space and right to openly express opinion and/or disagreement, etc., that is far, different, from obstructing the necessary progress and adopting well-considered policies, when appropriate. There are many cases where common sense might say you should never be partisan, but unfortunately, you are! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, examine, review and discuss 6 things, which should never become partisan, but which we often witness these days.
1. Proactively protecting public health and safety: The horrible pandemic that the world experienced for over a year (now) is a prime example of the dangers of partisan behavior! Some politicians and elected officials wasted time, energy, and attention mouthing denials, appearing unprepared, downplaying potential dangers/ramifications, etc., instead of proceeding as public health experts suggested, and the result was likely, many deaths, which could have been prevented with better planning and putting public health first. So, President Trump came along, driven by his personal/political agenda and/or self-interest, and set an example, which we now realize, he did a disservice to the public! The escalation of injuries and deaths to firearms, especially assault rifles, clearly endangers public safety! How many more must die, etc., before, we ask, How many more must die?
2. Medical health – care / prescriptions, etc.: Health care in this nation seems to be the most expensive in the world! There seems to be a need, for people, to have the financial means to receive the best deal! Why are prescription drugs consistently more expensive here than almost anywhere else?
3. Equal pay for equal jobs: We are witnessing a disparity between the wages paid for the same job, based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, etc.! Shouldn’t there be a reasonable expectation of equal treatment? Also, when the federal minimum wage remains the same for 13 years, it’s obvious that many people are challenged to earn a living, living wage.
4. Equal Employment Opportunity: Even though we have equal employment opportunity laws, it’s too obvious, it’s not! Yet we continue to witness no change, for the better!
5. Affordable, safe and clean housing: Shouldn’t there be safe, clean, affordable housing in a nation that claims to be protectors of human rights? Yet we continue to see little meaningful action in this area!
6. Putting citizens and the nation first: Whether it’s convenient or not, the reality is that we must proactively address the inherent risks and ramifications of climate change and protect the environment first! Without clean air, water, etc., future generations are at risk! Protecting all citizens should never be political, but should emphasize common sense and the well-being of our citizens, etc.!
Wake up, America, and demand, more and better, from those you choose to supposedly serve and represent you and the nation! Aren’t you sick and tired of seeing the same challenges, and little resolution to them, over and over again, from these so-called leaders?
