Opinion: Common Ground Can Be Found

www.aolnews.com ^ | 9/16/10 | Bill O'Keefe and Bob Beckel

[Publius804]

(Sept. 16) -- Tuesday night, Delaware, New Hampshire and New York joined Nevada, Colorado, Florida and Kentucky in the ranks of states where establishment Republican candidates have fallen to GOP outsiders in this year's primaries -- evidence, some pundits suggest, that voters are likely in store for more, not less, partisan politics inside the Beltway next year.

If true, America's current trend flies in the face of the philosophy espoused by Irish statesman and political theorist Edmund Burke more than 200 years ago: "All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter." He was not suggesting sacrificing principle, but rather the search for common ground that leads to progress without that compromise.

For much of America's history, our government -- guided by a strong anchoring in the center of the body politic -- reflected Burke's philosophy. Indeed, our own Constitution, the foundation for our government and liberties, was the product of compromise to form a more perfect union.

But somewhere in our recent past, however, our leaders lost their way. The willingness to reach common ground has been lost and with it the ability to promote policies that are in line with the values of the vast majority of Americans.

The ugliness seen in this year's congressional fights over health care, financial reform, etc., has all but destroyed civility on Capitol Hill. Polarization from the left and right is now the driver of policies.

Little evidence exists that congressional leaders or our two most recent presidents have a real commitment to finding common ground. While it is true both George W. Bush and Barack Obama campaigned on the need to seek common ground, they were unwilling to confront

[DarthVader]

There is no common ground with liberals anymore they must be permanently destroyed.

[proudpapa]

I wonder why Alaska wasn’t included in the list?

[el_texicano]

Where is the common ground when you talk about liberties??? It is a yes/no question, an either/or position.

[Ann Archy]

I wouldn’t get within a mile of anything that Bob Beckel wanted.....he is VILE.

[IronJack]

Per the dialectical approach so revered by liberals, our political debate has been forced more and more often to the poles, where no compromise is possible. One cannot favor abortion and not favor abortion, or fight a war and not fight a war. One cannot stand for color-blindness and racial equality and then make exceptions that favor certain races and create inequalities. One cannot worship God and Mammon.

Yet these are the alternatives increasingly being offered in our polity. The inevitable resolution of dialectical opposites is synthesis of a new reality, one that is neither and both. Said development usually arises after convulsion.

[geologist]

We can agree to disagree.

There is no way to come to common ground with Sharia for instance. Any inch we give they take, give nothing back, and then press for more ... and more. Not unlike the on going situation in Israel. The more they have given the more that is wanted; and the wold pushes Israel to give, give, give, and they are a tiny area in the middle east.

Suicide? Do we agree to all commit suicide?

Or stand up and say NO!

[Colonel_Flagg]

We can hold common ground with liberals. Politically speaking, we’ll take the half on top and they can have everything underneath.

[Doug Loss]

No, common ground can't be found. We believe and stand by the principles that made America what it is, individual liberty, rights to life and property, and freedom from government interference in all but carefully delineated areas. You do not. Your beliefs are antithetical to our society and way of life and we categorically refuse to "compromise" with you. Instead, we choose to defeat you.

[Walkingfeather]

As soon as the dems start losing they start screaming “power Sharing” “Bipartisan committees” I swear, ANY I mean ANY republican falls for that again.....

[Pining_4_TX]

Yes, he is. Nobody ever mentions his hooker scandal.

Those who are losing a battle, always want to sue for peace. Beckel is no exception.

[Ann Archy]

I turn off FOX when Beckel comes on.

[Walkingfeather]

ROBERT BECKEL
6402 RIDGE DR
BETHESDA, MD 20816 (301) 320-8241

[Luke21]

You know they feel the heat when libs are writing this slop.

[rep-always]

Amen, Darth. Destroy them before they destroy us.

[rep-always]

Amen, Darth. Destroy them before they destroy us.

[Tex-Con-Man]

The Democratic version of “common ground”:

Dems - Increase the Dept of Education budget by 10%.
Repubs - Current spending level...no increase.
Common ground - 5% increase in Dept of Education budget.

My conservative fantasy of “common ground”:

Dems - Increase the Dept of Education budget by 10%.
(Tea Party) Repubs - No funds allocated for the Dept of Education...sell building to condo developer for obscene profit.
Common ground: 10% increase in severance package for all former Dept of Education employees.

It could happen...

[CincyRichieRich]

There is no common ground between those who destroy the country vs. those who prosper it. Dumb and dumber.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

"Tuesday night, Delaware, New Hampshire and New York joined Nevada, Colorado, Florida and Kentucky in the ranks of states where establishment Republican candidates have fallen to GOP outsiders in this year's primaries -- evidence, some pundits suggest, that voters are likely in store for more, not less, partisan politics inside the Beltway next year."

"Partisan politics" occurs when the Left doesn't get its way.

[central_va]

Politics is war without guns. Maybe the real thing might be better.