What does Alabama’s State Legislature need? More controversy.
Upon reading the title, I imagine some may be uncertain of where this piece is headed. Of all the things possible, is more controversy really what we need in our political arena? What about compromise, civility, maturity, and integrity? Following the brutal election cycle of 2016, why would I be calling for more controversy opposed to something viewed in a more positive light? I hope to offer some clarity on this desire for controversy among our elected officials, specifically Alabama.
It is important to understand what controversy actually means before we can welcome it with open arms into our public square. Merriam-Webster defines controversy as : “a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views.” I know, I know — based off of this simple definition, isn’t if safe to say we already have enough of this in politics? The answer is a resounding no. I am in agreement that we have plenty of people who have differing opinions on various issues such as: gun control, climate change, taxation, and abortion to name just a few. However, how much genuine discussion and debate is occurring over these important issues? How often do you see your state or local officials attend public forums, town halls, or debates with individuals or organizations who hold opposing views? How often do you see a Democrat or Republican attend an event where a warm reception is unlikely? Sure, there may be one or two debates an election cycle with a few cupcake questions for publicity, but shouldn’t our officials be continuously engaged in debate to promote their ideas and correct their opponents faulty thinking? Why limit the clash of opposing ideas to election year alone?
Theologian, poet, and author G.K. Chesterton wrote in his book , What is Wrong with the World, wrote:
Genuine controversy, fair cut and thrust before a common audience, has become in our special epoch very rare. For the sincere controversialist is above all things a good listener. The really burning enthusiast never interrupts; he listens to the enemy’s arguments as eagerly as a spy would listen to the enemy’s arrangements.
Chesterton also writes :
Believers bump in to one another; whereas bigots keep out of each other’s way.
What Chesterton is essentially saying here is that any time an individual possesses authentic beliefs on particular matters or is deeply convinced of something to be true, that individual has a desire to hear opposing arguments in order that he or she may correct the opponents faulty thinking. In order to be good at persuasion, one must surround themselves with those who disagree so that they may sharpen personal convictions or be persuaded other wise. It is impossible to have genuine conviction and continuously surround oneself those who think exactly the same; civil debate is destined to happen.
Having studied the works of G.K. Chesterton on genuine controversy, it is important to analyze the environment that exists in Alabama political arena. How often does your State Representative or State Senator engage in authentic debate with those who possess fundamental disagreements. How often does your State Representative or State Senator release pieces explaining the motivations behind his or her votes or policy beliefs? Or better yet, how often does your elected officials present ad hominem attacks towards the the opposing party rather than counter arguments with facts and figures? What do your elected officials post on social media? Is it research and evidence that promote a particular policy or is it mere political propaganda and memes? My hope is that you have a State Representative or State Senator who have deep convictions rooted in the desire to better the state of Alabama, rather themselves.
I am not suggesting to the slightest that we need continuous debate and no compromise; this would be foolish. What I am suggesting is that Alabamians have been shafted by many elected officials who will say whatever the voters want to hear during campaign season and once they arrive to our state capitol, we find ourselves in the same cycle of polarization and corruption. Let us remember this in 2018. Let us send officials to Montgomery who have displayed a deep understanding of the issues, who possess the desire to convince those around them of the great policies and philosophies they find to be true (even if this means surrounding themselves with those who hold a different set of beliefs), and most importantly, someone who will place the betterment of Alabama above personal gain. When our legislators engage in a true debate of ideas and not mere political entertainment, the best ideas shall conquer and Alabamians will be the victors.
