Culture Wars
We posit that America’s founding fathers, all flawed white men, were geniuses nonetheless, evidenced by the fact that the system of government they designed, however imperfect, is still functioning after 245-years. No other country in the world can claim this!
Our system of government was separated into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial such that the power and influence of each branch would be balanced by those of the others in response to the passage of time and changes in circumstances. While the Civil War may have been the ultimate test of our system, the Jan. 6 Capital Riot and the currently raging debate on abortion are reminders of the need to discuss, debate, and resolve such divisive cultural issues, rather than suppress or “cancel” them.
A 2020 Pew Research Center survey found a wider political divide in America on cultural issues than in many of the other rich countries surveyed. Though some may regard this phenomenon to be evidence of systemic weakness, at Highland Institute we think of culture wars, however divisive, in terms of a vaccine for a disease, providing a form of protection despite their possible harsh side effects. Or, said differently, that which does not destroy us makes us a stronger nation.
Challenges abound. Our country is divided, and Congress seems incapable of passing the laws we need to govern ourselves, forcing the Supreme Court to step in to settle these difficult cases, such as the desegregation of schools, interracial and gay marriage, and elimination of prayer in school.
However, fifty years after the Roe vs. Wade decision, the country is still torn between the right of a woman to control her own body and the right of an unborn child to life – a wound that does not seem to heal and is clearly in need of sunshine to do so.
Like the issue of slavery which divided our country between North and South, the topic of abortion has divided our States, with NY and California leaning pro-choice, Texas and Utah pro-life, forcing the other states to take sides. Such is the challenge to be addressed by our three branches of government. The process may be long and arduous until – suddenly – E Pluribus Unum!
We are not here to take sides, nor to give advice, but to simply warn that once again our country is divided, and to appeal to both our heads and hearts as we deal with this difficult issue. As a ray of hope, let’s remember that while America is still divided on the question of abortion, at least we never devolved into the likes of China with the colossal mistake of their One-Child policy wherein the State can impose abortion on an unwilling mother.
Our democratic process may seem clumsy and painful at times, but the alternative is worse.
— Sina.
This Newsletter includes items reflecting the personal opinions of their respective authors. This forum is dedicated to the free exchange of ideas and welcomes alternative perspectives submitted in good faith. Neither the original submissions nor any counter-points represent the position of either City Club or Highland Institute. We invite you to engage in these discussions.