Authored by J. Peder Zane via RealClearPolitics,
Americans find themselves entrenched in petty disputes, oblivious to the looming crises that threaten to engulf the nation. Despite the turmoil both domestically and internationally, neither of the major presidential candidates are addressing the pressing issues at hand.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are turning a blind eye to the escalating national debt, pledging to exacerbate it. There is a lack of substantial plans from either candidate to address the threats posed by countries like China, Russia, and Iran.
Issues such as soaring healthcare costs, declining mental health, and the breakdown of public education system, closely linked to family breakdown, are being disregarded amidst a campaign characterized by superficial policy references and personal attacks.
It’s not just about Harris and Trump – the leadership in Washington has long been evading the mounting challenges facing our nation. Their rhetoric of blame-shifting offers a simplistic solution – defeat the opposition and all will be well.
Even a third-grader wouldn’t buy into this narrative. The reality is that neither side can completely overpower the other. A victory for Harris or Trump won’t extinguish the opposing ideology. Regardless of the election outcome, America will remain a divided and discontented nation. Yet, many seemingly discerning Americans have embraced this narrative wholeheartedly.
Furthermore, even if one side were to attain absolute power, they lack a coherent plan to steer the nation back on course. Decades of failed Great Society initiatives have proven that mere spending cannot solve our deep-rooted problems. Similarly, the past four decades post-Reagan era demonstrate that tax cuts alone cannot pave the way for necessary reforms – a task that seems increasingly unattainable as more Americans become reliant on government assistance.
America is currently experiencing a modern-day Age of Nero – as our leaders remain indifferent while the nation faces turmoil.
Historically, the resilience and resourcefulness of the American people have pulled us from the brink during past crises. However, it’s uncertain whether we still possess that same tenacity.
Instead of demanding effective leadership, we seem content with the superficial spectacle of politics, resembling the gladiatorial contests of ancient Rome more than the enlightening debates of ancient Greece. The prevalent culture of victimhood and grievances on both sides has replaced the notion of sacrificing for the common good with a desire to vilify perceived adversaries. We seem to relish conflict, finding purpose and significance in the strife.
Despite the gravity of our challenges, we have become a nation that shies away from serious discourse. The choice between Donald J. Trump and Kamala Harris is emblematic of this trend. They are not the root cause of the issue, but rather a symptom. The initial step towards a remedy, if not a cure, is clear: we must reject the empty distractions of politics to confront and tackle our pressing crises. A dose of honesty could make a significant difference, fostering a shift from hostile partisanship to constructive cooperation.
However, this alone won’t suffice. Recognizing our problems is merely the first step towards change – the real challenge lies in mustering the will and discipline to address them.
We are faltering in the face of this challenge because it still seems plausible to ignore the impending disaster. Many of us are shielded from fear by a false sense of security, believing we can always escape the consequences.
Ironically, the global turmoil elsewhere provides us with a misguided sense of security. Instead of viewing these challenges as warning signs, we reassure ourselves by saying, “We’re doing fine.”
While history does show that things eventually improve, for those living through the turmoil, this offers little solace. The abrupt judgment for past failures can arrive swiftly, akin to a thief in the night. As we contemplate the simmering crises we are allowing to escalate, let us recall Ernest Hemingway’s poignant words from “The Sun Also Rises.”
“How did you go bankrupt?” one character asks a friend.
“Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.”
J. Peder Zane is a RealClearInvestigations editor and columnist. His previous experience includes working as a book review editor and columnist for the News & Observer (Raleigh), where his work garnered national recognition. Zane has also contributed to the New York Times and served as a writing instructor at Duke University and Saint Augustine’s University.
Loading…