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What Do We Really Value?
Recently, many of us have been concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As the crisis unfolds, one of the assumptions underlying our nation’s position is that a free and democratic Ukraine with ties to the West is morally preferable to a Russian puppet state. While this is certainly true (and we will examine why in future letters), at a time of great division in America, it’s important to examine the values inherent to Western democracy. Whether we want to talk about civility, community involvement, faith in institutions, or a fair, free, and unbiased media, trust is at an all-time low domestically. When our system of government is held up in contrast to that of Russia, we should be mindful about the needed improvements in our own “home.”
When I was young, I was repeatedly told the story of George Washington and the Cherry Tree. When confronted by his father asking whether young George had cut down a cherry tree on their property, Washington responded, “I cannot tell a lie…I did cut it with my hatchet.” Lately, I haven’t heard that story told. As simple as it sounds, the anecdote has a clear set of principles, and the value espoused – honesty – is one that may help us come back together as a nation.
Often, we focus on what divides us. We let religious differences or cultural frictions impede our ability to communicate. However, every culture has norms, has pillars, has consensus. And, for much of the history of the United States, we as a society have taken for granted the Judeo-Christian roots of our nation. Pervading even the most secular portions of the country, our legal system was born of English common law, a system drawing on many origins, religion chief among them. As such, would the idea of a Sabbath offend many Americans? What about a break at ‘week’s end?’ Or better yet even, one day where we don’t do traditional work but rather rest and focus on our spirit. Yes, this is a secularized version of the Third Commandment, but, many agree at this time in which society is going faster and faster and technology is constantly bombarding us with information, perhaps we all would be wise to try and carve out some time each week to decompress from all media and contemplate the state of our lives in order to make the necessary changes that allow for more joy and happiness.
From this vantage point I suspect we will be better able to see the historical tug of war that has always taken place in America -- how best to preserve the American dream. I can’t remember a time when more young people believed that the country was failing them, by not fostering a society in which it was possible to get ahead. With globalization, automation, and a nearly unprecedented holding of wealth by the top earners in our country, it is no wonder that our middle class has fallen further behind. However, rather than overreacting and believing that our system of democratic capitalism has failed us, we should take the time to develop realistic solutions to the challenges of the day and reinvigorate healthy debate.
As we debate the role of government in our lives, we should have an honest dialogue on what the government does best and what the private sector -- community organizations and individuals -- do best. I believe there is an underlying issue that needs to be dealt with. It’s not a coincidence that at a time when civic engagement is at an all-time low, the desire for the government to do more is popular. To me this begs the following question: Are we demanding more of our government because we ourselves don’t want to make the real sacrifices necessary to improve our world?
Our government is a reflection of each of us, and as our families break apart, as we don’t do enough to address mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness, as education declines, so too do our institutions.
Sixty years ago, John Kennedy challenged us as Americans to, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Today we might say, expect nothing more from your government than what you expect of yourself. Are you willing to take time to develop your character? What does that even mean in this day and age? Maybe it means you are willing to volunteer more in your community? Maybe you are willing to take a pay cut as a CEO to benefit your lower-level employees? Sacrifice takes many shapes but there can be no doubt, it’s time we all pitch in.
The more we can focus on what unites us as opposed to what divides us, the sooner we can reduce the polarization in this country. But it all comes down to doing the work and improving our values and individual character. We each can make a real difference if each day we work on one character trait and reach out to one new person with a kind word and with a sincere desire to build bridges.
CATCH UP ON RECENT PUCK EPISODES
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-40-christopher-leonard-author-journalist/id1338978270?i=1000551149158
Author and journalist Christopher Leonard joins The Puck to discuss his new book, The Lords of Easy Money How the Federal Reserve Broke the American Economy. Chris has spent his career writing about powerful institutions on behalf of the public and his new work examines how FED policy over the last fifteen years has shaped our current financial landscape. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-37-adriana-saman-of-clocktower-ventures/id1338978270?i=1000545159361