Abraham Lincoln as soon as famously stated that “a home divided towards itself can not stand,” and whereas he might have been referring to slavery as the best stain on American historical past, the phrase may apply to right now’s political panorama within the U.S.
Greater than 60 years earlier than Lincoln’s speech on the Republican State Conference, President George Washington warned towards the unfavourable affect opposing political events may have on the nation.
His warning went unheeded, because the division amongst People and their politicians has reached what many contemplate a detrimental stage, evidenced by demonstrations, protests and riots over quite a lot of points over the previous yr.
State Sen. Blake Stephens, R-Tahlequah, stated he believes extra persons are concerned in politics now than ever earlier than in his lifetime, which he believes has contributed to the character of right now’s politics.
“I might be flawed, however I imagine there’s extra engagement proper now, which is an efficient factor,” he stated.
“However so far as the violence, there isn’t any place for that. I do not care what motion you are in, or what you stand for, as a person of religion, I’ve no place for violence. We have got to like each other. That is one of many greatest issues we will do.”
Whereas nationwide politics appears to have divided the 50 states, it is not as solely noticeable near house. State Rep. Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah, thinks Oklahomans do a great job of placing their variations apart to work collectively, and that he hasn’t seen a division within the Sooner State like he has all through the remainder of the nation – apart from the everyday coverage variations between Republicans and Democrats.
“There’s all the time been that break up,” he stated.
The nation confronted many challenges in 2020 with regard to race relations, a polarizing election, and the COVID-19 pandemic that has value cash, safety, and lives. A wholesome nation might be one of many first steps to turning into a extra unified one, believes Dell Barnes, Cherokee County Democratic Occasion vice chair.
“I feel our federal legislature must get to work shortly on vaccine distribution and straight serving to households and employers,” he stated. “I hope that the stress on the Capitol, from politicizing almost every little thing, eases and America pulls collectively as we have now prior to now. With a brand new consciousness of the inner threats to democracy and an appreciation for the necessity for stability in our establishments, and compassion and respect, we will transfer ahead, collectively.”
Maybe one of the vital apparent indicators of division got here on Jan. 6, when a gaggle of President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed their manner into the U.S. Capitol throughout Congress’s affirmation of the Electoral School votes.
Shortly after Trump was impeached by the Home of Representatives this week for “incitement of riot,” Josh Owen, Cherokee County Republican Occasion chair, stated it is time for People to take a step again and have a look at how issues are being carried out.
Owen pointed to the “Oklahoma customary” for instance of how folks can work with their buddies and neighbors to create a greater nation.
“As People, we do not have to agree politically, however violence isn’t the reply,” stated Owen.
“I feel it is time we begin the change – begin altering the controversy and the way we deal with conversations. What occurred on the sixth, that is unacceptable. We have to do higher with the way in which we’re debating, as a result of clearly that is not working.”
