Winning from the center

When did ‘compromise’ become a dirty word?

Politics, like most things, ebbs and flows. If we look back in history, we’ll find periods when hard-headed individuals from differing political sides disagreed and couldn’t seem to find common ground. Our state legislators are stuck in one of these periods. Compromise has become a dirty word.

My message to our state legislators is simple: Being idealistic and passionate is one thing. Being pig headedly stubborn is another. Conflict is okay, if at the end, you keep in mind you’re there to do your job. In my opinion, your position description must include compromise and doing what is necessary to make sure those citizens who are the most vulnerable are protected.

Would I love it if all my political and social views became law?  Absolutely! Is that ever going to happen? Probably not. So, as a tax payer and voter, I expect the men and women we voted into office to learn as much as they can, then talk to each other and find common ground. Will everyone be happy? No. Will we avoid a costly government shut down?  Yes.  Will every one of you who wants be re-elected?  No.

It’s a little bit like watching a fight in a school playground. A temper tantrum by adults who should know better. “I’m holding my breath until I get my way.”

In life, we rarely get everything we want. My mother drilled into me the fact that “Life isn’t fair; get used to it.” Would I like to avoid paying more taxes. Sure. But, if it means sacrificing quality of life for me or for those who really need government services? Then no. That little extra money that would be deducted from my paycheck I probably won’t even notice. And, I won’t be angry as long as everyone, at every tax level, is doing a little bit extra too. Worried about those small business owners who might be at the top 2 percent of wage earners? Well then give a small business exemption.

My advice to every single Minnesota legislator, Democratic, Republican or Independent is this: get off your high horse, take a breath and act like an adult. Talk to each other, find the middle ground, and come up with a solution that avoids a government shutdown. I don’t expect a perfect solution. But, I expect a solution.

One last reminder: the citizens of Minnesota are your employer. You can be fired if you continue not to do the job you were elected to do.