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Earlier in the book we postponed addressing the question of how well the principles of the Ethical Universe
track to political issues. So, let us now briefly dwell on this question. As we said, the ethical bi-pole for the superego
describes where people look for moral/ideological guidance rather than their particular stance on individual issues. In order
to achieve practical wisdom at the center of the bi-pole, the focus of our political leaders (and ourselves) must be on ending
the ethical/political gridlock rather than strict ideological partisanship. The process is one of maintaining a faith in certain
inalienable rights that are near and dear to Americans like our personal freedom, education of our children and care for the
sick and the elderly etc. while displaying the courage to challenge the status quo and trust our powers of reason to figure
out the best approach for all concerned parties. This most certainly does not say that ideals must always be forsaken in favor
of strictly pragmatic approaches and certainly not for “weak-kneed-compromise” or even expediency. In fact, the
best political approach to our most intractable public issues must be made using a high degree of courage, creativity and
an abiding faith in and love for our fellow citizens. These qualities are not guaranteed to get a politician reelected or
even elected in the first place – there is definitely risk involved here. But, we the people must insist on these qualities
from our elected officials if we are ever to see an end to the gridlock that paralyzes our country especially at the federal
level in Washington. As we have seen, having practical wisdom in the superego requires also being a creative-problem-solver
in the id and having a citizen-of-the-world mindset in the ego. We have also seen that having the courage to maintain a competitive
spirit to test our ideas in open and fair competition along with an honest appraisal of our own shortcomings are required
to be a creative problem solver. To qualify as a citizen-of-theworld we must take the broad view when considering economic
and social issues; the fate of third-world countries is also vitally important to our own well-being. We can not and must
not attempt to live in a vacuum of prosperity while billions of less fortunate people struggle for their very survival.
In the political arena, the individual who best reflects the dynamic, centrist profile we have been describing,
appears to be the mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg who is now closely allied with the growing independent political
movement – there are said to be 35 million voters nationwide now registered as independents – this suggests that
big changes are on the horizon. At a recent mayor’s conference that Bloomberg co-sponsored in June, 18-19, 2007, in
Los Angeles ( Cease fire! Bridging the Political Divide) he made his position pretty clear to his fellow mayors. The mayor’s supporters are waiting with bated breath to see if his remarks might foreshadow a run at the White
House in 2008:
“America, the most wonderful country in the world, is at a crossroads. The politics of partisanship and
the resulting inaction and excuses have paralyzed decision-making, primarily at the federal level, and the big issues of the
day are not being addressed – leaving our future in jeopardy. We can accept this, or we can say – ‘Enough
is enough!’ – and together, build a bright future for our country.
I believe we can turn around our country’s current, wrong-headed course, if we start basing our actions
on ideas, shared values, and a commitment to solve problems without regard for party. The point of this conference is clear:
We do not have to settle for the same old politics. We do not have to accept the tired debate between the left and right,
between Democrats and Republicans, between Congress and the White House. We can and we must declare a ceasefire – and
move America forward. While a ceasefire is essential, it must also be followed by change. Real change – not the word,
but the deed. Not slogans, but a fundamentally different way of behaving – one built on cooperation and collaboration.
And it is needed now – because more than ever, Washington is sinking into a swamp of dysfunction. No matter who’s
in charge, sadly today, Partisanship is King.”
At this same conference, the keynote speaker, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
made it clear that he is not an independent, but most definitely believes the key to success today lies in bipartisanship.
If he can find a way around the natural-born-in-the-USA requirement for president or vice-president, we also might well see
this activist Governor on the national ticket at some point in the future.
John W. McAlister
January, 2008
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