Why we must return to civil discourse

Now that the recent elections are essentially completed, can we return to civil discourse in facing the challenges of our nation? And why is this important? Democracy depends on civil discourse between different groups of people and different points of view. It also depends on the discussion being based on “good faith” where the participants have an intention to abide by the facts, the truth, and the aim of reaching a decision that benefits the common good.

One of the problems in reaching these standards in the U.S. today is the toleration of the intolerable. Tolerance of oppressive ideas, actions, policies, laws, and positions serves to suppress democracy and basic rights (free speech, free assembly, opinion) while limiting access to influencing the course of direction of the community, region, state, or country.

Let us be blunt. Some concepts are lies and lies woven together create a myth. The concept of “race” is a lie, as there is only one race, the human race. The superiority of one “race” over another is a myth perpetuated to keep control of economic and social resources in the hands of the “superior” group. Patriarchy is also a myth based on lies about the inferiority of women and females. The myth of gender being binary (only males and females) distorts the reality of the spectrum of possible genders in society. Same with the myth of there currently being a “classless society” where everyone has the same opportunity and chance of financial well-being. The list goes on.

Various affinity and interest groups exist in complex modern society, with a myriad of hopes, aspirations, needs, and identities. Many have recently railed against “identity politics” as if this were something new and negative, when in fact, the entire history of our country has been the evolution and unfolding of the awareness of various identities.

In order to gain a standing in society and any political influence or power, there is a progression which takes place. First is the recognition that there is commonality of interest, needs, and way of life of this group or identity. Secondly, the group seeks representation in the course of everyday life and the political sphere with legitimacy and respect. Lastly, the group seeks a redistribution of power, access to resources, and a place in the discourse of civil society such that their interests and needs are met.

The history of the labor movement, women’s voting and reproductive rights, the civil rights movement for African Americans, Hispanics, Indigenous peoples, Asians, and for the LGBTQ community, are all examples of this progression. The very nature of a complex and pluralistic society, such as the United States, means that this is a part of who we are and will always be with us. It is the continual push to expand democracy, and its granting of equality and rights, to every member of society. When various political forces seek to thwart, repress, or stop this progression, they are on the wrong side of history and democracy.

Freedom of speech and of assembly is granted in our country, even to enemies of society, as long as they do not take their words and put them into deeds. The January 6^th insurrection and invasion of the U.S. Capitol with the intent of stopping the machinery of democracy and the peaceful transition of power from the old administration to the new administration is just such an example. The violence and tyranny carried out that day is not about democracy. It is about authoritarianism and the destruction of democratic institutions. It has nothing to do with freedom, liberty or exercising rights, but rather the destruction of those aspects of a civil society.

These actions, and the organizations and opinions that led up to them, are false solutions to perceived threats to freedom. Freedom and liberty must be based on truth, not on lies. The fact that a candidate did not win does not make the outcome a lie. Liberty is not freedom from outcomes you do not care for, but rather the acceptance that you are capable of being free with others in your society who have democratically decided a compromise between individual freedom and law, general and individual interest, and common and private welfare. At the same time, there is an acceptance of what is not conducive to a rational and free society, and what impedes and distorts its possible creation.

Ultimately, we must rely on civil discourse and democratic institutions to resolve our social and political differences, not violence and tyranny. Authoritarian power seekers will, as we have seen, use the forces of repression from the state (military, police, surveillance, etc.) to maintain their political power. In the end this state violence is the ultimate anti-democratic force which may destroy the very civil society our democracy is supposed to sustain. Civil discourse is the basis of being able to maintain democracy and keep authoritarianism at bay, and that is why it is so important.