Maybe “those who are ever so thoroughly persuaded of their being in the right” could acknowledge the possibility that they are sometimes wrong. Perhaps those on one side of the partisan divide could admit that not all their opponents are corrupt.
Many Americans today also share Hamilton’s wish that political leaders would display a little “moderation” in their tone. Like Hamilton, today’s voters may want something better, but they have a firm grasp on reality. Seventy-two percent believe that most politicians use their power and influence to enrich their family and friends. A majority of voters nationwide think it’s likely their own representative in Congress trades votes for cash. To modern Americans, that sounds like the 21st century Congress. Such a thoughtful and fact-based discussion “is a thing more ardently to be wished for than seriously to be expected.” He recognized that politicians on both sides of any question might be motivated by “Ambition, avarice, personal animosity, party opposition, and many other motives not more laudable than these.” Sick of partisan posturing, they want Congress to put aside special interests and focus on finding practical solutions to our nation’s serious challenges. Writing under the name Publius, Hamilton noted how wonderful it would be if the Constitutional debate could be conducted in an “unbiased” manner focused only on our “true interests” and the “public good.” While his language is more formal than we would use today, Hamilton’s wish sounds a lot like the heartfelt desire of 21st century voters.
0 kommentar(er)
