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Thursday, September 15, 2011

The Importance of Compromise

Compromise is an integral part of democracy. The ability to find common agreement via flexibility and a willingness to “give a little to get a lot” is a critical tool in a healthy democratic process.

Our form of government was thoughtfully crafted by founding fathers who rebelled against a dictatorship and theocracies where people were not able to have a voice. In order to keep this democratic process alive and healthy as our country grows and evolves, elected officials (and their constituents) must be continuously be willing to compromise for the greater good.

Unfortunately, however, compromise is often misconstrued as capitulation – in which the parties or individuals involved believe they must surrender or give up too much in an effort to reach consensus – leaving everyone bitter and unhappy. Fear of capitulation often leads to deadlock.

The fear of capitulation – of losing more than you’re willing to lose - creates a two-sided situation in which opposing parties are unwilling or unable to come together to seek consensus. Also known as a standoff, this intransigent situation benefits no one – and Americans know this. If you believe what you hear from all the pollsters and broadcast news, America is furious with deadlocked negotiations amongst our politicians – at all levels of government.

Record numbers of Californians/American voters have called in their complaints to the Legislature and Congress. Trusting the process of representative democracy, these callers look to their elected officials to take action on their behalf. No doubt some calls encourage lawmakers to hold their ground and refuse to “give in,” but polls suggest that the greater number are demanding that lawmakers get past their stalemates. And that will take compromise.

The Irish statesman and author Edmund Burke wrote in 1775 that, “All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.” It remains true.