Is our “perfect union” – the hard-fought legacy of our Founding Fathers – becoming a tarnished memory? Is it pipe dream sloganeering to think we are able to be “stronger together” or to unite to “make America great again?”
Whether left or right, political pundits agree on this: the past year’s divisive incivility was only the prelude to what’s in store as Election Day approaches – and the bonds of our Union will continue to be battered.
Does this destructive mayhem truly reflect the desires, conscience and values of the people of America? As the battles became fiercer, I began a nationwide journey to find out. Cynical at the start, I soon found my belief in the exceptional goodness of our country renewed.
I was privileged to film conversations with nearly 200 Americans in 30 states and the District of Columbia. A melting pot supreme: military veterans to a current vice presidential candidate; homeless to millionaires; radical left to Tea Party right; women and men; black, white, Latino, Hispanic, Asian, Native American; straight and LGBTQ; PHDs to degreeless, high schoolers to age 103; pistol-packing Maine lobsterman to gun control advocate.
Their words revealed a dramatically different American narrative: one that is all together wise, heartwarming, inspiring, hopeful – often funny. And optimistic – even though many I interviewed were in difficult circumstances. They sent a virtually unanimous message to our national leaders: quit the grade school squabbles that pin one segment of society against another. Look for ways to unite rather than divide us. Cease the politics of left and right, and take us to a place of respect for our country and each other. Give us politics for all the people by putting the good of our nation ahead of personal interests.
“Come together to get the solutions. Whether you’re Republican or Democrat. Be stewards of America’s future,” challenged a senior dean at a top California business school.
To our presidential candidates, Ms. Clinton and Mr. Trump, embrace the spirit of these words as you head into the final stretch of your campaigns by taking a vow to:
- Steer clear of words and actions that belittle our intelligence and undermine common decency, prudence and fairness by sensationalizing and scapegoating – playing to fear, prejudice and division. This includes telling the surrogates and PACs that support you to back off as well.
- Show us your understanding of and plans to focus on issues that most Americans really care about – not just core voting constituencies.
Lest there’s any uncertainty about those issues, here are the top three priorities of those 200 neighbors of yours.
#3 – Be ardent, relentless advocates for world peace. Your fellow citizens aren’t naïve. They know there’s evil out there and an eye for an eye is sometimes the right response. They also understand leadership isn’t a zero sum game – one side wins, the other loses. Keen to the fundamental precepts of virtually every religion practiced in the USA – that harmony stems from recognizing the dignity of every human being. Be guided by knowing that while we have differences, everybody from Kansas to Kathmandu wants basically the same things: safe and healthy families, mutual respect, tolerance, a chance to improve one’s life.
Strut your toughness – and America’s preeminence – but also show your capacity for empathy, consideration, negotiation and most important – listening.
A Virginia high school student was blunt: “We can’t do anything without each other. If we don’t stop hateful acts and come together as one, we’re – screwed.”
#2 – Open the doors of economic opportunity to all. The one percent and 99 percent are real. The rich are becoming an oligarchy where they rule for their further enrichment while the rest of us work harder but stand still or fall backward. How can it be, despite our country’s great wealth, the middle class seems to be going away and there are areas plagued with poverty, with bridges, roads and public transit decay – and water tainted from pollution?
No more lip service here – no more idle schemes that play to the crowds. Tell us explicitly what you will do to fire up the U.S. economy – for all.
“Government has to work for the economic well-being of everybody, not just those who write the biggest checks,” said a Pennsylvania factory worker.
And the #1 priority by a landslide? Make U.S. education best in the world. Surprised? I was, because education has nearly disappeared from political discourse. Yet, here we are stumbling well behind every other developed nation – and likely soon to be passed by the newest global star – China.
Hear the people! Education was their top priority and for reasons that should make it the number one campaign issue. In this world of uncertainty, our country’s best protection is a well-educated citizenry. It’s the great equalizer for climbing the ladder of opportunity.
The people want to hear how you will:
- Ensure kids have the same access to quality learning whether in an inner city or private school ― and this means confronting affordability: the U.S. has more college starters than anywhere but cost is a big reason we rank about 15th in graduates.
- Elevate respect for the teaching profession so it’s a magnet for our best and brightest.
- Make certain we have graduates with the technical skills to succeed in and contribute to the growth of our technology-driven economy.
- Emphasize civics so the principles of justice, capitalism, human rights and freedom that made the U.S. a success aren’t lost.
“The label global superpower is meaningless unless we’re a superpower at home. It starts with great education,” emphasized a New York City official.
Three priorities that speak to the pragmatism, optimism and compassion of Americans. Sure, they’re complicated, and not easily fixed. They won’t generate provocative sound bites that boost TV and radio ratings, light up social media, and ignite some of the electorate.
But Ms. Clinton and Mr. Trump – if you truly care about the health of our Constitutional government and well being of the USA – which you surely do – you’ll take a chance. You’ll show your aptitude for the Presidency by speaking for and acting in the best interests of “we the people”.
A minister in Kansas put it best: “There is so much to celebrate in our country. Build on it! Inspire us!”
Jim Gabbe – writer, filmmaker, Army veteran and businessman – is head of CITIZENARTS, a non-commercial organization that creates educational documentaries shown at universities and civic forums throughout the U.S. and internationally. This article is based on his documentary, A More – or Less – Perfect Union.