OPINION:
There is a deeper layer to the recent government shutdown that the mainstream news media never discussed.
Politicians in both parties see evil in the opposite party without seeing flaws in their own. This increases divisions in politics, party-line votes and gridlock in Congress. Politicians need financial backing to run for office. If one does not play ball with the party for financial backing, he or she finds it difficult to advance in the party. This increases the tendency to project evil on the opposite party.
Politicians of both parties must move beyond self-interest. Many Americans want more bipartisanship, fewer party-line votes and far less gridlock in Congress. Toning down the heated rhetoric and violence in politics that deepen divisions in American society would be beneficial. So would a reduction in slogans that often replace real discussion of issues.
Reasonable discussion of issues may result in some acceptable grounds for agreement and avoidance of government shutdown next time.
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WILLIAM SCHOENL
East Lansing, Michigan
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