Political interpretation at its core is the distilling of beliefs through the window of law and social pressure. We don’t get re-dos in a lot of areas of our lives, but politics is one of them where we can overturn previously held ideas and reverse decisions previously made.
“Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” (Declaration of Independence)
The government in this country is powered by the consent of the people. As ideals and understanding of our world change, so do how we ask for our government to govern.
But simple things, like mandating the raising of revenue from the taxpayer, or instating and overturning prohibition, seem to be more unified than how we enforce or punish criminal proceedings, or encourage the unity of the nation.
The government, granted power through its constituents, is an extension of those constituents: and we are very much human, prone to mistakes and missteps. Yes, we may try for perfection, but we are incapable of it.
I don’t know that there’s any way to have an agreement about something tricky (race, policing, LGBT rights, health care, minimum wage, etc.) without first having a conversation about it. But I guarantee, putting your fingers in your ears and pretending like you don’t hear the other side is not the way.
Michael's Musings 