Over several decades, Americans have witnessed a growth in political extremism and naked partisanship. Those are often accompanied by assertions to the effect that all government is inept and all elected officials are venal, stupid or corrupt.
Nothing could be further from the truth. And I think there is no better time than Fourth of July weekend to remind ourselves that we live in a great country.
At least, as to Colorado, I can to speak to that. For my 26 years as former editorial page editor, The Durango Herald was the only Colorado daily newspaper in a four-hour radius. As such, everyone running for statewide office or a state legislative position from this area, campaigning for or against state ballot measures or seeking local government jobs, dropped by the Herald.
And after more than two decades with a ringside seat on state and local politics, and government, I left less cynical than when I began. I am convinced that our democracy is, for the most part, in good hands.
I came away liking and respecting most people involved in politics and public policy. What is key to understanding American democracy, I think, is to recognize that neither “like” nor “respect” are synonyms for “agree with.”
Likewise, to disagree with others does not mean they deserve disrespect or even necessarily opposition. (I can get into an argument about public policy with myself.)
Most especially, disagreeing with others does not mean those people are evil – or that they might not be helpful some other time. Disagreement need mean nothing more than that at this time, on this particular point, we do not see eye-to-eye.
The good people in government know that. And I have known plenty of good people in government. There is no way I can offer a comprehensive list.
But a few examples: I have not met Gov. Jared Polis (although I like much of what he has done), but I have met five of his predecessors. And by met I do not mean just a handshake. I have had the opportunity to actually converse with each of them. They were five of the smartest, hardest-working people imaginable.
Did I agree with all of them all the time? Of course not, but that works both ways.
Four, like Polis, were Democrats. Two-term Gov. Bill Owens, however, was a conservative Republican. But I did agree with him on a number of things and at no time did I think – or write – that he was a crook, a fool or part of some conspiracy. In fact, Owens is a smart and decent man.
My current favorites include state Rep. Barbara McLachlan, Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, all Democrats, as well as unaffiliated County Clerk Tiffany Lee. But included on my all-time list are also a number of Republicans: former state Sen. Ellen Roberts, former U.S. Rep. Scott McInnis and Mike Coffman – who held several offices. (I am leaving out too many to mention, and I apologize, space is limited.)
None of this is to say that there are not idiots out there or bad actors. Nor is it to suggest that all thoughts are created equal.
But serious differences among the electorate should center on policy – not insults or conjured grievances. Viewing elections as “us vs. them” reduces the best form of government yet devised to a team sport – or worse, tribal warfare. Seeing our democracy as nothing more than “our hero vs. them” is a step toward fascism.
Focusing on real discussion and respect for others’ ideas can make democracy work. I have seen it done.
From 1990 to 2017, Bill Roberts was Opinion editor at The Durango Herald
