Search of self often finds with ideas that are good for all

Our ability to choose representatives and have a say in government policies is one of our great privileges in this country, and it’s rooted in the right we have to form our own opinions based on our own conclusions.

We debate, proclaim, and protest freely, sometimes wildly. But when all is said and done, hopefully common ground has been found and we can move forward together.

Still it seems our views have become more polarized, as the events around us inspire different thoughts and reactions.

We generally break down into Democrats and Republicans, liberals or conservatives.

This idea seems alarming—that a person’s entire range of thought can be reduced so precisely to one of two labels, Democrat or Republican. Not to mention the party loyalties that accompany, for better or worse.

Doesn’t a person’s conscience ever wander from that of the establishment? Still, most of us succumb to our sense of party loyalty.

This polarization is very dangerous, especially in our tiny community.

Some issues have much more weight in the Central Adirondacks. Since our towns are so small in population, citizens feel local issues and policies are much more of their business than the national debates, due to the immediate impact our town’s policies have on our everyday life.

Time should be taken to understand these problems, instead of rushing to a conclusion and ignoring the opposing opinion.

In spite of this view, there are many issues that cause divisions.

An example of such an issue is the annual debate over the school budget.

Our community takes sides: some are determined to save public tax dollars no matter what the consequences are to athletic teams or art classes, and others are constantly pushing for more “extras” for the kids, regardless of price.

Both stances are shortsighted because of the lack of compromise. Continue reading →