Compromise
I am sure many people in the United States have been attempting to “walk in the shoes” of those who are currently serving terms as Senators and Representatives in the Congress of the United States. All readers will, I am sure, be aware that the United States is experiencing a partial government shutdown which has left over 800,000 without pay while countless others are not receiving assistance and other benefits. The President, Republicans and Democrats are under increasing pressure to arrive at a compromise regarding a budget. The heart of the issue is whether to spend billions of dollars for a border wall. On the surface both sides may seem to present cogent arguments for their position. One side posits that many of the immigrants attempting to enter the United States are criminals and that a border wall will help stop the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. I have yet to find any evidence that a majority or even a substantial number of potential immigrants are criminals although, by definition, if one enters the country illegally one is automatically a criminal.
The other side assert that most of the immigrants seem to be fleeing poverty and other forms of violence. Second, most illegal drugs come in at legal ports of entry. Even though I believe reports that both of these assertions are true, I am sure that there are many who believe the opposite.
Compromise obviously means that one or both groups of people agree to something which they do not support in order to achieve a more significant goal. If I was a member of Congress what would or could I do to become part of the solution? First ,I must accept:
The first point is the most important in this situation. This argument is not about facts. It is about who can muster the most emotionally charged support for their position. It is, as many have noted, a game of chicken. In this case whoever gives in loses political support from some and gains from others.
All of us have been in situations where an argument is unwinnable. No matter what is decided no one wins. No solution on the board is going to have a significant impact on the immigration system, the drug epidemic or the political, economic or social problems in the countries from which most immigrants originate. None of the core issues are on the table. Even if the Dreamers get a three year reprieve their future is still undecided.
What would I do if I was in a position to cast a vote in the Senate or House? Of course, I cannot say for sure but I suspect that the best comprise is to:
As stated a compromise is not a win-win for anyone. All can, however, when presented with a need for a compromise, think more long term.
Written January 23, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett, LPC, AADC
I am sure many people in the United States have been attempting to “walk in the shoes” of those who are currently serving terms as Senators and Representatives in the Congress of the United States. All readers will, I am sure, be aware that the United States is experiencing a partial government shutdown which has left over 800,000 without pay while countless others are not receiving assistance and other benefits. The President, Republicans and Democrats are under increasing pressure to arrive at a compromise regarding a budget. The heart of the issue is whether to spend billions of dollars for a border wall. On the surface both sides may seem to present cogent arguments for their position. One side posits that many of the immigrants attempting to enter the United States are criminals and that a border wall will help stop the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. I have yet to find any evidence that a majority or even a substantial number of potential immigrants are criminals although, by definition, if one enters the country illegally one is automatically a criminal.
The other side assert that most of the immigrants seem to be fleeing poverty and other forms of violence. Second, most illegal drugs come in at legal ports of entry. Even though I believe reports that both of these assertions are true, I am sure that there are many who believe the opposite.
Compromise obviously means that one or both groups of people agree to something which they do not support in order to achieve a more significant goal. If I was a member of Congress what would or could I do to become part of the solution? First ,I must accept:
- Facts have little to do with this very emotional argument.
- No matter what is decided a large number of people are going to be unhappy.
- Building or not building more of a border wall is not going to have a significant impact on drug deaths in this country, the overcrowding of prisons, or the recidivism rate of individuals released from prison.
- Building or not building a border wall in not going to reduce poverty or other forms of violence in the country of origin of those attempting to immigrate.
- Many individuals legally profit from the current drug epidemic and would profit from the wall proposal. This includes those who supply raw materials and finished products to build and maintain prisons as well as those who provide food, clothing, and other supplies. Jails and prisons are big business in the United States. A significant number of law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and, yes, treatment staff benefit from the current epidemic.
- Many would profit from building a wall and/or from other material and personnel to increase security at the borders.
- Many profit from housing immigrants and handling their applications for asylum and potential citizenship.
- We must find a way to reopen government services and to pay workers.
The first point is the most important in this situation. This argument is not about facts. It is about who can muster the most emotionally charged support for their position. It is, as many have noted, a game of chicken. In this case whoever gives in loses political support from some and gains from others.
All of us have been in situations where an argument is unwinnable. No matter what is decided no one wins. No solution on the board is going to have a significant impact on the immigration system, the drug epidemic or the political, economic or social problems in the countries from which most immigrants originate. None of the core issues are on the table. Even if the Dreamers get a three year reprieve their future is still undecided.
What would I do if I was in a position to cast a vote in the Senate or House? Of course, I cannot say for sure but I suspect that the best comprise is to:
- Agree to the money for a wall.
- Work hard to carefully define the core issues.
- Work hard on the next election to present practical solutions to the core issues -treat the electorate as adults. We can deal with the facts.
- Accept responsibility for allowing the current situation to come to this state, We have all played a part.
As stated a compromise is not a win-win for anyone. All can, however, when presented with a need for a compromise, think more long term.
Written January 23, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett, LPC, AADC
RSS Feed