Recent weeks have shown that Americans need to expect more of ourselves.
Another assassination attempt on President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shows that acts of evil are never far away. We certainly learn that from scripture, and it lurks at times when we least suspect.
Thankfully, no one was killed and only a minor injury was reported.
It did not take long for people to assign blame for why these acts keep occurring, and mostly the rhetoric is misplaced. I won’t attempt to censor free speech, but we should also recognize that our tone can make a difference.
One cannot yell “Fire!” in a crowded movie theater and claim he has free speech protection. However, the lack of control over social media seems to allow people to make all kinds of similar accusations without merit or consequence.
Reading the transcripts from 60 Minutes, including an interview with former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, a Nebraska Republican who is facing terminal cancer, was enlightening and sobering. He spoke about the concern he has about the state of Congress, where good people are looking to pursue the common good, but they have their hands full because the pursuit of partisanship is so entrenched.
His hope is that Americans will apply pressure, equally on both parties, to be problem-solvers not only during an election campaign but beyond, because complex problems may take several years.
I think Sasse is spot on. In getting to know elected lawmakers, particularly those who serve on the agriculture committees from the High Plains, I have found they are sincere in wanting to help farmers, ranchers and rural communities succeed.
The aggies traditionally found ways to pass farm bills. Whether it was under Sen. Pat Roberts or Rep. Frank Lucas, there was much to celebrate because the art of compromise—a powerful tool—showed that in good and uncertain times, Congress had the back of rural America.
As we move through uncertain times, Congress and its staffers have heard from constituents who want to see less emphasis on acrimony and posturing and more focus on meaningful dialogue. Hopefully that message is also being received by our president. In our own conversations with others, we can also demonstrate the importance of civility.
One thing we know is that children tend to repeat what their parents say, and as we look to future generations of leaders, we hope that pandering is not the norm.
Only time will tell, but it is up to us to raise the bar. Our country will soon mark 250 years of a uniquely American experiment that balances many competing interests and factions, and we will celebrate with pride.
The next 250 years will not be easy, but we know that our Founding Fathers had the same concern. Working together gives us all hope for a better future.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
