As a current events observer, one of the aspects I find increasingly frustrating is how politics has polluted governance. To pollute: “to contaminate with harmful or poisonous substances.” To contaminate: “to make impure.” Call me a purist, but I believe government is less effective and ethical when pollution reeks.
Of course, each who contributes to the reeking seems to savvily steer the focus onto someone or something else… i.e. the smokers blame the advertisers who blame greedy corporations or maybe even a tobacco farmer in the Carolinas… the environmentalists blame the gas guzzlers who blame the car manufacturers who also blame greedy corporations, even blaming Al Gore’s unsuccessful campaign manager (…sorry, couldn’t resist).
My point is that we no longer govern purely and those involved refuse to admit it (… see any current Press Secretary). Politics influences even the intelligent, and the end result is less effective, less ethical governance. While certainly not indigenous to the current administration, look at their weekend announcement — in this instance in regard to immigration reform.
The President and multiple others on all sides of the partisan aisle believe illegal immigration should be reformed, especially after the chaotic immigration influx along the nation’s southern border this summer. The parties disagree, however, in the specifics. Pres. Obama is believed to be less restrictive in this area, potentially granting some form of relevant amnesty. Yet because Obama has been unable to pass what he desires, he boldly announced earlier this summer that he would bypass Congress via executive order.
Unfortunately, though, for those loyal to the administration, bypassing Congress in this area is considered an inappropriate approach by a majority of Americans (see Rasmussen Reports, 35%). Americans don’t feel it’s the right thing to do. But with mounting pressure from Democrats running for re-election — who may need the votes of that other 65% — Pres. Obama has decided not to act… now. The White House announced over the weekend that they will plan on taking executive action after the November elections.
Here comes my Intramuralist, purist note: if it’s not the right thing to do now, then it’s not the right thing to do. Politics is influencing governance.
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
“My basic principle is that you don’t make decisions because they are easy … you make them because they’re right.” — Theodore Hesburgh
“The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.” — Margaret Chase Smith
If something is the right thing to do, then it should be done.
Otherwise it’s polluted.
Contaminated.
And impure.
Respectfully…
AR