Time to depolarize American politics

An approach by conservative op-ed writer, and president of the American Enterprise Institute, Arthur Brooks could help depolarize American politics.

Normally I disagree with his opinions, but not this time. I was struck by his expressions of concern, his reasonableness, and his desire to return respect and civility to the American political arena.

In his April 10 editorial in the New York Times, Brooks writes that political polarization leads to bigotry and contempt, undermining our country’s place in the world. Citing Pew research and other studies, he states that our increasingly predictable individual views and alarmingly polarized parties lead first to our current state of contempt, then to permanent enmity.

We weren’t always this way; studies show our polarization has doubled in the last two decades. Brooks writes that in the 1990s, Republicans and Democrats were once mixed coalitions representing broad spectra, but are now “purer ideological vessels.” We are thus beyond meaningful debate, even anger, living in blind contempt — a mode rooted in exclusive ideologies which prevent any progress for society.

Either we change or we all lose.

The solution to bring people together? Brooks asked the Dalai Lama, who said we look too much to institutions, and not enough to ourselves as individuals. The monk said each person must declare independence from the bitterness, and then adopt “warmheartedness” toward those with whom we disagree.

“I defeat my enemy when I make him my friend.” By this, the Dalai Lama does not mean changing our fundamental principles or political views. Rather, he advocates that we respect others and listen open-mindedly to their views.

There are times when I despair of even the possibility of the fractious factions listening to each other, much less interacting civilly. But if Brooks is expounding these ideas, maybe there is hope — if we each take responsibility for ourselves.

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Priscilla Bell is a Hayden resident and former president of North Idaho College.