Why The States Will Never Truly Be United | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why The States Will Never Truly Be United

But we should celebrate rather than condemn that.

20
Why The States Will Never Truly Be United
Bebeto Matthews

"The opposite of progress is Congress," they say.

While it is a joke, like all jokes, it stems from truth. And the truth in this joke incites different responses from all of us, from disgust at our current establishment to indifference to the inevitable to passion for making changes and improving the system. I’ve personally experienced responses from the entire spectrum at different times and moods from just this one joke.

This country of dreams and opportunities, the esteemed United States of America, ostensibly can’t get anything done; ostensibly, the government is a joke because we rarely see any results. Democracy is a failure, the legislature is not representative of the population, and the three branches sit and argue with each other all day, losing sight of urgent matters.

Yes, there is truth in all that—but this truth can also be interpreted with a long-term, wholesome perspective instead of a short-term, defeated perspective.

At CCNY’s 170th Commencement (view it on CCNY's video site), we heard much about this diversity that defines CCNY, defines this country, defines the cause for discrepancy among government.

Inarguably, Michelle Obama was the highlight of the commencement at a glance. However, valedictorian Antonios Mourdoukoutas deserves credit for his words on this unifying yet divisive diversity (starting at 92:35).

He reminds us that diversity is not only applicable to physical traits, but also to thought and to life experiences; “Diversity of people gives rise to diversity of thought” (98:10). It is these varying struggles, experiences, and therefore personalities to which we must contribute our great forward thinking. If we all were the leaders, all were the secretaries, or all were the technical engineers, he points out, we are doomed to fail. In order to succeed, we need a mixture of leaders, secretaries, and technical engineers—even if that means there will be some disputes about how to tackle an issue.

Diversity in thought is the consequence of diversity in people, and while lag may be a consequence of diversity in thought, there is a larger, more significant consequence: progress. It’s not exactly progress in terms of quantitative time, but rather mental and social progress.

Our nation is not homogeneous and our representatives are not clones of each other, so, of course, they have varying approaches because they have had varying experiences and live varying lives. This heterogeneity, like a free market, nurtures free minds, allowing ideas to enter and exit without barriers; the free flow enables us to adopt ideas from other people into our existing ones, creating new ideas altogether. We push our minds to think outside our respective comfort zones and enter someone else’s in order to understand each other so that we can compromise. Compromising: a skill that requires practice and the eradication of stubbornness. It is a skill learned through being surrounded by diversity and a plethora of choices. Compromising is how our nation proceeds—not stagnates, not ebbs.

You can think what you want of the jokes about Congress and of the way our government has taken their sweet time to implement actions. Even when we don’t see the results, however, we can’t deny that something is brewing in our capital.

Arguments? Sure. Corruption? Sure. Accusations and slanders? Sure. In spite of all that, our capital is the home of thought exchange and the birthplace of innovative ideas.

We owe that to the diversity of thought and experiences in our nation. So in response to that joke, I say, "There is no progress without Congress."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23605
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9859
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7139
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments