The New Dirty, Unspoken Word

The “C” word is the newest unspoken dirty word in government. No, I am not taking about anything illicit or scandalous; I am talking about compromise. Compromise, a concept most everyone is taught while growing up, one that is used in most aspects of life, is now the unspoken word that no one wants to say. Why is compromise now the enemy within government? What is so horrid about compromising?

Compromise built our nation. During the constitutional convention, the founders sought to create a stronger governing document to replace the Articles of Confederation. Two plans, the Virginia and the New Jersey, were proposed to the convention. The plans represented the interests and ideas from a large state and small state, respectively, on the topic of government. The founders were torn between the two plans until the Connecticut Compromise combined the best parts of both plans, creating the foundation of our Constitution. Because of compromise, the strongest combination was found and put forth as the highest law in the land.

Just like in the 1700’s, compromise allows for accomplishments and progress to be made. Progress is a good thing; it allows for our country to grow and adapt to the changing times. It creates agreements which allow for new programs, jobs, budgets, and possible ends to negative aspects of society, like deficits and wars. Compromise is nothing to be afraid of, but apparently the newly elected members of Congress disagree. The new Republican majority is taking a pledge not to compromise on any idea from a Democrat. This pledge redefines partisanship and may bring progress, changes, or even continuity to a halt. No agreement means no new jobs bills or decreased spending or new health programs or education programs. Why are we agreeing to disagree? Will anyone be happy if nothing gets done because of this drastic pledge not to compromise? I admit, I am truly baffled at the thought that compromise is a bad thing.

Compromise does not mean going back on promises and morals. While people could view a bill as a failure because it does not state their direct wishes, I hope the greater good of the bill compensates for the unhappiness. Take health care as an example. Did every member of Congress get what they wanted? No. Will the health care law help people? I sure hope so. You do not always get what you want, (but if you try sometimes...) that is the way life works. Compromise allows stronger people to shine and take pride in the accomplishment. Compromise helps to make positive change, and no matter what side you are on, positive change is a good thing.

I hope our newest members of Congress learn quickly that declaring a stalemate will not get anything done. And no one will be happy with that result. We need something new and different, but that can only be reach by using something old and common: Compromise.