This is likely my final column for The Daily Gamecock. For about a year, I’ve attempted to condense the nature of our political climate and convey it to you, the reader, with some objective thought and reflection. I hope it’s been at least somewhat enjoyable, or at the very least not a hindrance. With a year of this work under my belt, I think there are a few main points that are vitally important to the survival of our democratic system. I figured now is as good a time as ever to highlight them.
First and foremost: Get informed. We live in the most information-rich era of human history. We inhabit the most vibrant communication and information ecosystem the world as ever known. Given that, it’s unacceptable to be uninformed.
Keep your eyes open. Check your sources (and stop posting so much fake stuff on your Facebook feed, please). Read primary sources and documents for yourself, and actually watch or listen to the speeches of politicians. Tune into C-SPAN once in a while and check up on your representatives. Don’t let the politicians, or the media, lie to you. “You don't need a weatherman tell you which way the wind blows.”
Next: Get involved. Democracy exists on the backs of normal human beings, not aristocrats. Are you in favor of getting big money and super PACs out of politics? Well, go volunteer for a campaign you believe in! Spread the policies and ideas that you agree with. Work for the betterment of our nation, rather than launching criticisms from the sidelines. “He not busy being born is busy dying.”
The point nearest to my heart: Engage in debate. At some point, open political debate among peers, friends or coworkers became taboo. Stop getting so offended when somebody disagrees with you. It’s okay! People have different opinions. As a matter of fact, it’s vital to the survival of democracy. If you identify as a fiscal conservative, grab a coffee with a progressive liberal. Argue over the finer points of education funding and public works. Find common ground, and work towards the common goal of a better country.
Our nation has become so divisive because we refuse to share ideas with those who disagree. There is no reason that Republicans and Democrats should be at each others’ throats. Both parties, and every American citizen, should be working towards the same thing — a better United States of America for each of us. For ideas to work, they need to be tested and argued by both sides of the aisle. We need to stop pretending that finding a compromise is a political defeat. It’s not. If we continue to approach politics as a war between the left and the right, we will continue to rip apart the fiber of the United States — a tragedy that neither side wants. “For he that gets hurt, will be he who has stalled.”
Lastly: Get inspired. We are collectively better if we’re a nation of dreamers rather than settlers. Find your passion, and follow it. Getting a law degree for the paycheck won’t make you happy. Do what you love; don’t work for a paycheck.
I know this is all very preachy; I get it. It’s easy for me to demand individual change and insist that we all become better wholesome individuals who love one another. But I firmly believe in what I’ve said. The rest of the work is on you, the reader. If you don’t go volunteer for a political campaign, nobody will. If you don’t follow your dream, nobody will. If you don’t discuss policies and agendas, nobody worthwhile will.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the past year as much as I have. I may continue to send in a few pieces about the presidential race, and if so, stay tuned. But I couldn’t let you go without making a few final points.
For the first time in my life, I think I’m out of words. Res Ipsa Loquitur.
“May you stay forever young.”
All quotes attributed to Bob Dylan.