Perspectives

This is a loaded post. Be warned.…

Some writers prefer to create characters from personal observation. Not me. I don’t have a clue how to model a character after someone I know. Nor would I want to. Rather, I’ve had a longtime fascination with perspectives. I like to take a single point and exploit the various views. To me this is one of the more fascinating aspects of writing. And in the process, voila, an instant character is born.

Sometimes this tendency to see other perspectives creates problems for me in the real world. Particularly with regard to argument, since I frequently see an opposing point as readily as my own — except in the case of extremists. Extremists I do not understand.

Since I rarely post a political viewpoint, prepare yourself!

Take the Continental Congress: Oh my heavens! Talk about perspectives. And I’m glad of it. It amazes me that the founding fathers were so varied. It’s shocking that they were able to come to an agreement at all, let alone in such a stunningly short amount of time. And yet, by considering opposing viewpoints a greater document was created, one which has served our nation faithfully. For example, take Jefferson and Hamilton. Hamilton thought the economy should be based upon industry, Jefferson on agriculture. Duh! We need both. Okay, hindsight is twenty-twenty. Here’s another example: Hamilton was for a national banking system. Jefferson was against it. Now seriously, can you imagine if there were no national system today? But Jefferson had a point. He could see the danger. Only a decade after President Clinton and congress lifted the banking regulations we had a major economic collapse.

My point is, diversity is important in the political process. And yet with all the mud slinging, one would assume that there should only be one point of view. That those who disagree should just roll over and die. How very narrow.

If you ask me the real problems come with corruption, and sadly there is way too much of it. Lobbying still rules congress now as much as ever, perhaps more so. When those who make the laws benefit from their exploitation there is a problem. Powerful special interest groups advocate vehemently to the detriment of the weak. And most of the time this kind of lobbying is done in secret. Not okay. Both republicans and democrats alike bow to the whims of money. It’s a sad tale. But I still believe in this nation.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, don’t give up on the political process. It is a good thing to hear (and express) opposing points of view. It is our constitutional right.

Thank you founding fathers!