Something to Think About

Balance in Government

I recently found an excellent graphic that clearly delineates the differences between the Left in Government (The Democrats), and the Right (The Republicans).  I found this  extremely helpful as it promotes understanding at the level of philosophy, family life, and social values.  I have included in the table below some of the elements of comparison, yet there is significant value in the way the graphic itself is constructed.  To see the document for yourself, click here.  (You will need to refer to this graphic document to really understand the remainder of this blog entry).

The sides presented in this graphic document are of the 2 extremes – what each philosophy means in it’s purest form.

The sides presented in this graphic document are of the 2 extremes – what each philosophy means in it’s purest form.  I suspect that every Democratic and Republican politician is really some unique blend of those two extremes – but isn’t that the way it is in real life?  It is for me.  In most things in life, I tend to fall somewhere in the middle.  While there are exceptions, I often think that to favor one extreme of anything is generally unhealthy.  More often than not, I think what is needed is a balance of extremes.

For example:  Below I have pulled a variety of characteristics of both the Left and the Right points of view from the graphic being discussed.  In my view,

• I don’t believe that I can be effective in my life if I always favor Upholding Order over Fairness.
• I don’t believe I can be effective in my life if I always favor Aggression over Diplomacy.
• I don’t believe I can be effective in my life if I am a Strict parent at all times, and never provide a nurturing environment.
• I don’t believe I can be effective in my life if I always look to the future, and never look to the past.
• I don’t believe I can be effective in my life if I always look to maintain Status Quo, without also helping with the Evolution of Mankind.
• Don’t we need Strong Role Models AND Positive Role Models?
• Don’t we need to build Character AND Potential?
• Don’t we need to keep what works in our lives AND change what doesn’t work?
• Don’t we need to support both Employers AND Workers?
• Etc., Etc., Etc., Etc.

In all things, balance.  If you read many articles in this Blog, you’ll find that Balance is a recurring theme here.  I believe that Balance is one of the most important characteristics of a complete and fulfilled life.  In my view, it enhances family life, increases effectiveness at work, and contributes to the overall happiness of your life.

As you think about each of today’s politicians, political commentators and talk show hosts, do they support a view of the far left, the far right, or do they propose a balanced point of view? For me, to be credible, they have to represent a balanced point of view, with a willingness to consider all sides of any given issue.

What’s your view?

“The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us.  If you can do that, and live that way, you are really a wise man”.

Euripedes  (Greek playwright, c. 480-406 BC)

Something to think about…..

October 31, 2009 - Posted by Mark | Balance, Government, Politics | Balance, Government, Politics