Effective Governing

The United States has been a beacon of democratic government that has inspired people throughout the world for over two centuries. Although we still have a strong democratic culture, we have lost focus on some of the principles that caused that admiration.

Domestically, we are experiencing a period of polarized viewpoints accompanied by unusually rancorous and 'unsportsmanlike' comments. A healthy democracy embraces divergent thinking, but the last decade or so has included a political environment with a higher incidence of divisive and unproductive talk and actions. We need to mimic those periods in United States history when differences were vigorously debated but those in the debate and their followers remained civil, even friendly, and the outcome was either a compromise or a willingness to accept the majority vote. That's the way a healthy democracy works! Politicians of opposing viewpoints need to enjoy eating together, talking about their families, telling stories, laughing together, empathizing with each other. In short they need to be able to vigorously debate issues and remember they are working for the good of the nation.

Internationally, some of our warfare actions, including decisions to take military action based upon poorly based or unwise thinking, have tarnished the international image of the United States. Some ridicule how extravagantly we spend money when we don't have sufficient revenue streams. Business and governmental actions have on occasion taken an unfair advantage of people and other nations. Such perceptions unfortunately have led to reduced American influence and have de-stabilized some international global relationships. We can restore our internal and international image as a democracy by reminding ourselves why a democracy is a good form of governance. Fortunately the American people are, as a whole, often viewed as a caring, generous, creative, industrious people - the base remains to rebuild the effectiveness of our democracy and regain a more positive international image. We can work more effectively together with other nations. The United States is not as commonly viewed as pre-eminent in world affairs anymore. We must acknowledge we are in a more globally competitive economy. We can and must meet the challenge of better understanding other nations/cultures. Doing so and drawing on our creative, entrepreneurial spirit and democratic principles will re-establish our global stature.

When people live together in a community, in a nation, there will always be a tension between 'individual' and 'community'. My years as a Republican instilled in me the importance of emphasizing the rights of individuals and the importance of encouraging 'rugged individualism' and fiscal responsibility. My years as a Democrat instilled in me the importance of 'community', of working together. Neither end of the continuum should dominate the other. Giving individuals opportunities to develop and succeed with expectations that all people take as much responsibility for themselves as they are able is an appropriate balance.

'Politics' is a dynamic in any organization. People seemingly instinctively 'jockey' for personal advantage in many settings. As a nation we tend to say we are run by politicians. This is a barely hidden acknowledgement that Congress works primarily for its own interests. The periods of time when we have excelled as a nation, when we have faced major challenges and succeeded, have been periods of time when leaders and statesmen asserted themselves. Presidents, members of Congress and the military, CEOs of business, labor leaders and chairs of non-profits worked tirelessly to promote the common good - not selfish personal interests or the interests of a few friends or supporters.

The United States needs such leadership now.

Jon Oleson , Candidate for Minnesota’s 3 rd Congressional District Seat in the United States House of Representatives