Even with matching backgrounds, race, sex and religions, one has to question how well informed individuals can take opposing positions on where they think this country should be headed. Three priorities usually top the list: Health, freedom and standard of living. Freedom can be further broken down into protection from harm, the ability to do and say what one wishes, as long as it does not infringe on those same freedoms of others and the freedom to follow the religion of one’s choice.

Much of traditional education has been based on the Socratic method where the teacher does not give information, but poses a series of questions which forces students to seek the answers in order to formulate of their own opinions. Independent thinking is dying in this country; being replaced by an epidemic of indoctrination on social reform.* This is being led by many of the so-called institutions of higher learning, the print media and close to 75% of the television broadcasters (pundits disguised as reporters) that are all to eager to share their jaded opinions.

The social reformers’ message mirrors almost exactly the platform of the far-left wing of the Democratic Party. These so-called advocates for justice hope to bring in others who feel left out of the mainstream. They support inclusion; wanting others to share in the bounty this country affords its residents, but not necessarily giving up any their own. By in large, they think in the here and now and not about the long-term consequences for this country because of their increased, spending positions, that seems to now pervade both political parties.

Whether the social reformers agree or not, the rich have the right to their wealth as long as it was acquired by legal means. The poor and underprivileged deserve the opportunity to move up and out of their situation, but with no guarantee of success. The wealthy may have a moral, but not necessarily a legal, obligation to contribute to that effort.

The advocates for social reform run into problems when determining how to fund the additional costs of their beneficence. They rationalize the additional monies could come from the depths of the vaults of the United States Treasury, from those in the higher tax brackets or by the Feds printing more money. The problems are that the Treasury is already borrowing to meet its commitments for the current entitlement programs and higher taxes on the wealthy won’t come close to making up for the added expenditures. The answer is to grow the economy, control illegal immigration and turn the trade balances around.

Why is this country so divided? The answer seems to boil down to the individual’s perception of this country’s obligation to its poor and disadvantaged.   Those who take the liberal position, claim to care deeply about others who struggle by advocating for solutions with increased federal support and more taxes on the wealthy. Those that take a more conservative position, who are also have those same concerns, feel that greater social good comes with less government intervention and letting marketplace dynamics have more control. Are there positions in between that will induce our representatives in Congress to cross the aisle?

A longtime friend decided to throw a get together to celebrate with his 25 best buddies. He made reservations at a nearby club to house the event. Hoping to expand his already large circle of friends, he decided to invite another 25 acquaintances. Unfortunately, he failed to notify the caterer that he would need more food and drinks.

Everyone showed up! As I recall, we all left hungrier than when we arrived and sober enough that no one needed to call Uber. My friend has not thrown another party since, probably because he realized that he didn’t make any new friends, just irritated his old ones. There might be a lesson for the liberals to learn from my friend’s experience.

 For decades, liberals have slowly pushed this country toward equality through an agenda of social reform. But as the population grows, so do the demands on our limited resources. Right now our country is in the habit of borrowing from the future. It should be obvious that can’t continue! 

* Social reform is a movement that seeks to change the social and political views of marginalized groups. Social reform movements involve the marginalized group and the activists in an effort to change political policy while bringing public awareness to the issue through protests, amended legislature and the media.