Compromise vs Consensus
By bobmnu
@bobmnu (8157)
United States
November 4, 2010 11:55pm CST
We hear a lot about the Republicans should Compromise with the Democrats to get things done. Compromise to me is when each side gives up something they beleive to settle an issue. From the founding of the Colonies to the Civil War the leaders compromised on the issue of Slavery.
On the other hand to build a consensus you start by looking for people who share similar values. You then select the values you agree on and work from there to make a change. The Civil Rights Movement is an example of this. People of different backgrounds and beliefs came together on the common value of all people should have equal opportunity.
The Republicans and some Democrats were elected on the idea that they would cut government spending, cut the size of government, and cut government interference (regulations) in our lives. The group in power believes in big government, increased spending and taxes, and more government control over our lives.
How do you compromise on taxes. Side A wants a 10% tax cut and side B wants a 15% tax increase. Compromise is a 2.5% tax increase. Any time you compromise each side tends to expand their demands.
With Consensus you narrow your focus and look for people who will support that position then work out the details. In the tax issue you would look for others who support tax cuts. When you get into the process you each identify key values that must be addressed. The overall value is cutting taxes. You may identify that it must include everyone. Others may say that they want the income tax cut while others may disagree over how much of a cut to make but you work with those who want tax cuts.
This way you work with Republicans, Democrats, and Independence who want tax cuts. It is not who you work with but what you are working for.
In a consensus you build a coalition of others who share your values with compromise both side have to give up some of their values.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@ladybugmagic (3978)
• United States
5 Nov 10
If we could use the current tax cuts as an example -
The house, in a general consensus, thinks the tax cuts should continue to those who earn $250,000 and less.
The democrats want to limit that to those earning $250,000 and less, and the GOP wants to extend it to millionaires and billionaires, adding $700 billion to our deficit.
Both sides agree that it should be given to the $250k and less. Those who earn more will still receive tax cuts on the initial $250k, so it is even across the board.
Compromising on that issue would be the right thing to do. We are at a point where we are losing the middle class in a dire and struggling economy. There is no sensibility in giving help to those who don't need it while we are recovering from a near depression.
The republicans don't care about that, because they are the elitists, and only believe that the wealthy deserve people to fight for them. The won't even pass a law on the sides they agree on, because they are the party of NO, currently holding the middle class hostage.
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
6 Nov 10
Why should the group that is already paying the most in taxes pay even more? Why should we punish the most productive people and reward the least productive ones?
In every community I have lived in there are those who feel that they are owed the things that the working people have. Many of these people did not complete High School because there was a great safety net to save them.
Just to point out a few things available to the "Poor" you have the state and federal programs, which include:
Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC),
Extended Unemployment Benefits,
Food Stamps,
Heating Assistance,
Homestead Tax Credit,
Earned Income Tax Credit,
Housing Assistance,
Health Insurance,
There are job training and educational programs,
Free and Reduced Breakfast, Lunch and in some case dinner for school age children(some communities have these programs year round).
Then there are the local Privately funded charities:
Food Pantry where you are asked to donate food stuff, money or the change from you grocery bill.
This year it seemed that over half of the stores were collecting school supplies for the poor.
The students at school collect for Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas Dinner, and Easter Dinner for poor families.
Several friends who work for evil corporations are asked to "volunteer"(It looks good on you yearly review) to act as Santa Clause for a child or family. Some spend upwards of $100 or more on this.
In most communities there is some from of Christmas Basket and gifts for the poor.
There is also the Marines Toys for Tots at Christmas, The Salvation Army has their Bell Ringers Out at Christmas.
Many chain stores have their Angle Trees where you can pick an Angle and then buy what the child has on their list.
Since President Johnson declared his "War On Poverty" the government has spent Hundreds of Billions of dollars to help the poor and we have more poor now than we did then. If you make a bad choice do worry the government will take care of you seems to be the attitude now.
In a report by the Heritage Foundation the government and people in poverty reported:
"Overall, the typical American defined as poor by the government has a car, air conditioning, a refrigerator, a stove, a clothes washer and dryer, and a microwave. He has two color televisions, cable or satellite TV reception, a VCR or DVD player, and a stereo. He is able to obtain medical care. His home is in good repair and is not overcrowded. By his own report, his family is not hungry and he had sufficient funds in the past year to meet his family's essential needs. While this individuals life is not opulent, it is equally far from the popular images of dire poverty conveyed by the press, liberal activists, and politicians."
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2004/01/understanding-poverty-in-america
I am not in the very wealthy group but I am in the top 10% that is paying 90% of the taxes in this country and I am getting fed up with having to support my family and then support another family because they feel they are entitled to it. Some one pointed out why we have so many people in poverty is that it is comfortable for them. To end poverty make it uncomfortable and encourage work. There are jobs out there if they want to work.
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
12 Nov 10
The bottom line is that you must never compromise your core values. Since the democrats have no values, and no morality, there should be no compromise with them on any issue.
I am a firm believer in gridlock, and that is the way our system of government was set up.
@laglen (19759)
• United States
5 Nov 10
wow Bob, you are clearly not a politician, you make too much sense!
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 10
Comprimise is important in many situations, but is dangerous and wrong when it comes to the members of the House and Senate. Each member should be free to speak on, and vote on, each bill or issue as they see fit. They shouldn't be held to "caucus" or "group think" in any of their decisions.
Comprimise in the House and Senate steals the representative spirit from the chambers.
