Earlier this month I wrote an article regarding the epidemic of mass violence in our nation. I also mentioned that earliest stages of curbing this violence is ending the indifference toward violence. In writing a letter to my Senators, I am trying to end my own personal indifference and actually do something to change the situation.
Dear Senator X,
The purpose of this letter is to address directly my concern regarding the conduct and divisiveness of the Senate and their part in the increasing polarization of Congress. I will address three main grievances: genuine frustration of lack of meaningful progress in Congress, lack of support for popular bipartisan issues such as gun reform and toxic polarization of Congress.
I am a third year college student attending the University of Houston. I have spent the majority of my life in Texas. Currently, I do not identify myself with either political party for two main reasons. Firstly, the parties (long before the start of the 2016 campaign) are too polarized to honestly represent my interests. Secondly, loyalty to a political party seems to overrule reason. A good idea is a good idea regardless if it comes from a Democrat, Republican, a Tea Party member, Libertarian or a Democratic Socialist. I would not forgo my support of a good idea that makes sense just because it came from a Democrat.
Let me initially address the lack of meaningful progress in Congress. I mean this in two parts. The 113th Congress was one of the least productive sessions in US history passing about 61 substantive laws. Although the 114th session has performed better in comparison with almost 90 substantive laws passed at the end of 2015, it is not performing at its best. Congressional performance in respect to public laws has steadily declined since the 109th session. I, by no means, suggest that you are solely responsible for Congress’ collectively poor performance. However, I do not believe all is being done on your part to make Congress more productive. Collective action in Congress takes communication, willingness to understand both sides and collaboration. The absence of these characteristics inhibits meaningful progress.
The second part of meaningful progress I refer to is communication with your constituents. Although you are my Senator, I do not believe you represent my best interests as an individual or a Texan. I understand that it is impossible to be everything to everyone; however, I do not believe enough is being done to truly understand and represent all of your constituents. As is, I believe you only represent a select few of your constituents. Unfortunately that select few is volatile and do not represent best interests of Texans.
The second issue I would like to address is the lack of support for bipartisan issues such as gun reform. I cannot fully express my deep disappointment in Congress when they vetoed two popular gun reform measures: prevent suspected terrorists from being able to obtain firearms and expand background checks. Senator Murphy gave a compelling and very reasonable filibuster on those two issues. To be blunt, I fully support these two gun reform measures because they make sense and it is the right thing to do. I am also disappointed that my Congress is incapable of seeing reason and working collaboratively with its counterparts. Being a member of another political party should not completely inhibit teamwork and reason. Unfortunately, that seems to be exactly the case in Congress and that deeply disturbs me. It is Congress, not kindergarten. When you act in Congress, I urge you to support bills that make sense regardless of who says it.
The final issue I would like to address is the toxic polarization in Congress. To be fair, Congress is a reflection of the nation’s political climate. However, a key difference is that Congress members are expected to be leaders and aid in mending our country. Despite the toxic rhetoric from both sides, I do not believe either political party is out to destroy our nation. We are Americans, not anarchists. Much of the polarization comes from an unwillingness to listen, understand and collaborate. I use the word collaborate instead of compromise purposefully. A compromise is a lose-lose situation. Neither party leaves the agreement satisfied. A collaboration is a win-win situation where both parties’ needs are met. Collaboration is challenging, but so is being elected as a Senator. I know it is difficult, but I also know that it is possible and worth it.
In closing, I am disappointed in the performance of Congress as a whole. It is incredibly demoralizing to witness Congress tear itself apart; however, I refuse to believe that nothing can be done about it. Congress is a reflection of the nation’s political atmosphere. As more rational, level-headed minds prevail, and Congress remembers that they are on the same team, I believe we can turn this tumultuous corner.
-A concerned citizen
