One Hand Clapping

A few nights ago I listened to one of those TV mini debates engaged in by a Congressman from each party. As this sort of thing goes, it was a courteous exchange without the usual interruptions, so I had a chance to hear both arguments on the subject in question which was repealing the recently passed health care reform.

The Democrat made his case by presenting facts , which are true by definition, although I have heard the phrase “false facts,” a particularly interesting oxymoron. A body of factual evidence may fall short of proving a point if outweighed by that supporting the opposing position. In making his case the response of the Republican was based entirely on the premise that we have too much government. He supported this claim at length with laissez faire talking points which are probably available on the web. A Mantra is not evidence. To present it as such in a debate is the metaphoric equivalent of one hand clapping. Whether we have too much or too little government is beside the point, this point, which is specifically whether our health care system justifies this particular expansion of government at this time.

As an admittedly biased Democrat, it seems to me that the simplistic idea of one ideological size fitting every situation is more a Republican tactic. It has great appeal to the party base, but sheds no light on most issues. I’ve yet to hear Democrats claim that more government control is a solution common to all, or even most issues. They may adhere to this position more often, but with a distinct degree of selectivity.

“When it is not necessary to change it is necessary not to change” is a statement I heard attributed to John Kennedy. This is a generic conservative view. But it’s one with which most liberal/progressives would agree. Differences of opinion lie in what is considered necessary. 

The world in which we live, particularly our knowledge of it, changes faster than the philosophies of our major political parties, which are etched in stone. To decide what changes are necessary on the basis of immovable objects rather than changing circumstances in the real world makes no sense.