Our system of government, on both sides of the border, has operated on the premise that our populations broadly agree on the general approach to be taken with most public policy issues. Within this general consensus, there are differing views on the extent to which government should be involved in the regulation of economic activities or the provision of social programs. Views vary as well on how much weight to give to punishment versus prevention and rehabilitation when it comes to law and order issues. While there are also extreme views at either end of the political spectrum, these have been a small minority. The democratic process has involved reflection and debate to reconcile divergent views and reach agreement on how to proceed with the issues of the day.
There is no longer a centre from which to govern
It is increasingly evident, especially in the U.S., that the population is now very polarized. Extreme views on the left and right dominate public discourse and one searches in vain for any consensus on issues that might overcome this divide. The mainstream media, which were traditionally a primary source of information and analysis on the issues of the day, have been increasingly discredited – a process greatly accelerated in the U.S. by the tendency of the President to label as fake news any report that differs from his version of reality. More and more people turn to specialized websites that will tell them what they want to hear. Most of these websites represent extreme points of view and few make any effort to ensure the validity of the information that they share. The more people can find sources that support their way of thinking, the less willing they are to consider alternative points of view. As a result, we have not only an increasingly fragmented society but also one not interested in searching for shared beliefs.
In response to this situation, political parties have become less concerned about seeking the middle ground and instead pursue policies that will consolidate support from the extremists on either side of the spectrum. This change is especially evident in the Republican Party in the U.S. which is now largely a fringe organization with two main components – the extremists of the “Tea Party” movement and the evangelical right. Many would doubtless argue that the Democratic Party has also abandoned the middle ground and is overly preoccupied with the concerns of the many left wing groups and their grievances about past abuses or neglect. This divergence is much less apparent in Canada, although the Conservative Party, in what might be seen as acts of desperation during the final weeks of the 2015 federal election campaign, did forsake the middle and attempt to shore up support among its right wing supporters through a proposed barbaric cultural practices hot line and various anti-immigration proposals.
What can be done?
One can hope for political leaders who will respond by attempting to unify the populace rather than fan the flames of division. But as individual citizens we can all do more to counter democracy’s crumbling foundation. Rather than waiting (and hoping) for inclusive political leadership, we can make a difference by being prepared to invest some time and effort in shoring up our democracy. We need to be willing to seek out, and consider, alternative points of view on issues of the day. We need to engage in respectful discussion, rather than reacting to a contrary view by launching a personal attack on the individual expressing it. It may sound trite and it probably is overly simplistic, but if enough citizens demonstrate a shared interest in the issues of the day, political parties will have a reason to focus on that common ground rather than on those things that divide us.