NOW THAT this year’s important political question – Who will be our leaders? – has been answered, we face a pressing issue that affects all Americans: How will our country get past the current partisan divide and onto a path to a stronger, brighter future?
Obviously there are very different views on how this “moving forward” should occur and our government’s role in this process.

But whether big or small, our government works for us. We, the voters, must tell our elected officials that we will support them if and when they craft a workable middle ground. We need both reasonable spending cuts and additional tax revenues to set us on a sound fiscal path and build a better future. And, as in the major deficit-reduction packages of 1990, 1993 and 1997, Congress can craft a plan that does not increase poverty or inequality.

We citizens also must develop longer attention spans, some patience, and the ability to stay engaged and hold officials accountable for progress. This nation’s fiscal trajectory will not be solved with short-term plans dictated by the next election cycle.

If we the voters check out by waiting until our next opportunity to cast a ballot, we run the risk of our elected officials’ continuing to pander to the ideological extremes, driving our nation further apart and achieving nothing on our collective behalf.

I’m certain I am not alone in wanting less ideology and more pragmatic, solution-minded members of Congress. We should accept – and expect – that neither “side” will get everything it wants. But isn’t that how successful business and personal partnerships work?

If newly elected, and re-elected, officials focus on solving our problems, perhaps less time – and money – will be wasted on divisive tactics in future campaigns. Let’s hope Congress can build a successful record that speaks for itself.

Kathy Fisher
Ciudadanos públicos para niños y jóvenes

Philadelphia Inquirer – November 15, 2012 – Leer artículo en línea