Political liberals and adherents of the more conservative religions find themselves increasingly at odds. Social issues have taken the center of our political stage —same-sex marriage, abortion, birth control mandated by the Affordable Care Act. Religious conservatives have led the opposition to the progressive agenda on these issues. Every moral battle is seemingly destined to be fought on the political battlefield. “Politics is the art of the possible,” meaning that compromise lubricates good public policymaking. But when people bring moral absolutes to a political debate, they cast issues in terms of right and wrong, black or white, making compromise impossible.
However, we can and must find ways to work together and identify substantive issues to work together on, without surrendering our principles. Our country sorely needs people of good faith to transcend the partisan divide, to set hostilities aside and to find common ground.
The word “transcend” means to rise above, surmount, go beyond. Can we not transcend some of our differences? Are our political tribal boundaries so immutable and the antipathies so hardened that we can find no common ground as fellow Americans? Do we not all want good schools; functional, solvent government; clean air and water; a flourishing economy in which education, hard work and ability are rewarded; a quality education system; racial equality, and a social safety net that aids the disabled, elderly and disadvantaged? Can we not transcend partisan hostility and sniping to cooperate on these and other fundamentals? If we don’t, our economy, our social fabric and our future prospects will unquestionably suffer and decline.
Utah has shown the way to rise above entrenched positions in this year’s notable compromise on religious liberty and nondiscrimination based on same-sex preference. Neither side gave an inch on the core issue of same-sex marriage, but both traded significant gains in religious freedom and nondiscrimination. And they created a lot of goodwill in the process. We also rose above politics as usual with the Utah Compact on immigration. These subjects were as fraught with political peril as any hot-button issue. There seemed no way through the thicket. But good people kept talking to each other and found the way. In both cases, thoughtful, committed people and groups stepped forward to solve problems rather than fight over them. Utahns “transcended” talk-show rhetoric and accomplished significant and unifying things. It’s a beautiful process to watch.
I have found this maxim to be absolutely true: “Contention is wrong, even when you’re right.” Here is a grand secret: The manner of engagement is just as important as the topic. The way we deal with political opponents makes all the difference. The road to rising above old arguments is built as much with honest cooperation, open discussion and seeking mutual benefit as it is by brilliant compromises. Great ideas are welcome. However, substantive solutions only seem to come after we get the human dimension right.
If we will engage with our opponents in a constructive manner, we will make progress on consequential issues. A precious byproduct will be relationships of trust, which can be the basis for even more cooperation. I have seen this approach work dozens of times in the Legislature and elsewhere. I know it can be done on a host of issues.
My observation is that on the really politically difficult issues, the solution will probably originate outside of legislative halls, as was the case in the two Utah examples I cite. Citizens and voters are often in a better position to resolve tough questions than elected officials who are closely watched and graded by hypercritical advocates and colleagues.
Political opponents don’t have to be enemies. The problems facing us in society and in our economy are looming and threatening — for all of us. It’s past time to transcend hostility and tribal boundaries by engaging in good-faith communication with our opponents. If we do, we can accomplish much together. If we don’t, preoccupied with our certitude and contention, we can watch the Great American Decline.
Greg Bell is the former lieutenant governor of Utah and the current president and CEO of the Utah Hospital Association.