In spite of unprecedented erosion of the economic and moral foundations of our nation, the political establishment has accelerated the world’s oldest campaign strategy. With little regard for the historical origins of our national crises, we are inundated solely with subtle accusations and the blatant disregard for accountability. The platforms presented for our consideration are the candidates’ “blame to fame.”
There are three primary arenas of blame that both parties are promoting: historical, positional, and what I will call “mis-directed.” All three are issued at the expense of any personal liability. It is a mystical absolution of culpability, which seeks to distract us by pointing at opponents’ past (and present) affiliations. A populace that accepts these distractions is destined for suffering and decline.
By “historical blame”, I refer to an attitude of entitlement—advanced equally by both major parties. Conservatives claim exclusive license to wealth and power by virtue (used sarcastically) of risk, sacrifice, and investment. It is a belief that these three entitle them to pardon, since they bear the burdens of a successful nation. Liberals assert their historical absolution by claiming victimization and destitution, while coveting all they lack. For both, resting on the circumstances of the past diminished the potential for contribution to resolutions to present conditions and future opportunities for growth.
“Positional blame” accounts for one of the most corrosive elements that erode the surface of the monument to our nation’s success. Liberals claim a repression of the class system, like some inescapable captivity that will always over-ride man’s innate potential. Conservatives claim that an obligation accompanies their position of success and a commitment to govern the unmotivated. Only by elevating accountability for success and responsible governance can we all experience the rewards of a successful society.
“Mis-directed blame” is the broader umbrella under which the previous two function. The standard default, adopted (increasingly) by members of every demographic, is that blame for all social ills rests squarely on the opposition. Claims that one (single) member of the other party is responsible for this problem or that failure. These accusations are all presented in spite of evidence of involvement—and even promotion—of policies that contributed to the dilemma (insert your own societal quandary here).
The failures at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mack (among other financial entities) were the direct product of two opposing greeds. Greed for home ownership without sacrifice or planning, and greed for providing loans to the unqualified. And in spite of these two realities, the only contributing factors that are communicated in the media depend on who is speaking. These contrasting views direct blame outward and seem incapable of accepting any accountability.
However, it is important to clarify a critical variable that is at the foundation of our current economic turmoil. A variable that both liberals and conservatives have played a role in promoting. Through active encouragement, or intentional indifference, the attitude that all people are OWED the same success, happiness, possessions, and authority has had the net effect of undermining the foundations of our society. The last time I read the historical documents of our nation, we were promised the “pursuit of happiness,” not its guarantee.
Men and women who have the courage to recognize inconsistencies in their personal philosophy, and take decisive action to amend wrongs reverse history daily. Although it seems a small percentage, people expand beyond the stereotypes of their position to accept accountability for their success within the parameters of human integrity. Moreover, millions of us (regular guys and gals) recognize that blaming others seldom advances individual, community, or national abundance. Only by defining responsibility as a personal role can we rebuild the greatness this nation once knew.
