Volume 11, Issue 19
Every issue, whether it is the crisis at the border or the national debt ceiling, arguments are advanced that define the debate as the existential identity of warring tribes. One side must conquer the other; there is no compromise. One side is evil; the other morally superior.
Yet, the American public in its social strength is resilient in holding to a more unified context of moral national culture.
National news outlets lament the public’s lack of interest in the limited options offered for solutions. It’s not that national leaders miss the point of public opinion. It is that they miss completely the reflection of how America sees herself. Americans want choices, not ultimatums. They see all issues through the lens of how an addressing policy impacts the stability, the opportunity, and the prosperity of the family. Citizens want leaders to be servient and deferential to their individual opinions.
And, it’s not as if America hasn’t consistently been, by clarion call, expressing their objection to repugnant political agendas.
- 65% of Republicans disagree with the Republican party. (NBC News)
- 66% of Democrats disagree with the Democratic party. (NBC News)
- 65% of Independents disagree with both parties. (NBC News)
- 60% of voters believe that Congress is corrupt. (NBC News)
- 65% of voters think that candidates running for public office seek to advance their own agenda and become part of the Washington, DC special interests. (NBC News)
- 87% of voters state that the country is on the wrong track. (ABC News)
- 66% of voters are worried that democracy is threatened. (ABC News)
- 49% of Americans now are registered as independents. (NBC News)
- 65% of Americans do not want President Biden to run for re-election. (NBC & ABC News)
- 65% of Americans oppose Donald Trump being re-elected. (NBC & ABC News)
Two-thirds of the American public are upset with both parties, all candidates, and, collectively, all members of Congress. In one sense, Americans are united in the opinion that the United States government is on the wrong track.
When looking in the mirror, Americans see diversity, different economic needs, different cultures, different ethnicities, different age groups, and different genders. Yet, they find binding consensus in the following:
- 86% are extremely proud, very proud, or somewhat proud to be an American. (America's Values Study "AVS")
- 69% are more likely to vote for a candidate who will defend America’s cultural values globally. (AVS)
- 54% consider themselves patriotic. (AVS)
National intellects miss the point that Americans are proud to be part of the American Dream yet are less patriotic because of self-serving national leadership. Further, Americans do not want to be citizens of any other country. They understand the essence of personal freedom.
Americans, when asked what do they value most in life, a majority responds: personal relationships, religious freedom, and authority over their own family. Family values are transcendent. However, the value of family is paramount.
These moral assets are critical to personal happiness.
Make no mistake, Americans differ substantially on critical issues. But they are united on the commitment to everyone's right to govern their own family, pursuant to their own values. An awkward fact for political leaders is that Americans are not threatened by each other's authority over their own families. In other words, Americans believe that all are equal in the pursuit of family happiness as a right.
When is the last time a political leader framed his or her position on a divisive issue in the context of enhancing one’s authority over one’s family? To do so requires trust in individual citizens to make decisions for themselves. Something that for some reason is an anathema to national political parties.
The U.S. national public debt is now 135% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Deficits are projected for the foreseeable future. Inflation will continue as long as government ignores any discipline on fiscal policy. Over 50% of the American public is on a fixed income. Inflation impedes their ability to make ends meet. Any sacrifices requested from the public by national leaders for the overall good of the country fails to evoke a positive response when trust between government and the people has been breached.
The rest of the world is in no better shape economically than the United States. In fact, developing countries are struggling mightily. As the world attempts to realign pursuant to geopolitical and economic interests, the United States government’s ability to segment solutions without consideration for local control will be limited. If this disconnect continues between what the government thinks citizens need for services versus what citizens want for self-determination and family authority, democracy may in fact be threatened.
The world has faced this dilemma before. In 1933 the global economic system was in a depression. Governments were dysfunctional. The citizens of Germany did not want Naziism. Denying the people the right to govern their own provinces of families and cities, with government left unchecked, Adolf Hitler became the transitional consequence.
They are part and parcel of the same eternal blessing.
My name is Marc Nuttle and this is what I believe.
What do you believe?