As we go into the 2012 elections, I’m filled with a lot of fear and trepidation at the direction that our country is taking. I have seen the increase in personal attacks of candidates. More so than bringing up issues that raise legitimate questions, we see attacks on their religion as with Mitt Romney. We have seen the pissing match awhile back that threatened to shut down our government and wreck havoc not just on ours but the world economy. Of the things that I have seen, what I haven’t seen is any compromise or dialogue that actually works toward finding solutions to our serious problems.

Just recently, I read a TIME magazine piece by Joe Klein entitled “Middle Of The Road,” which detailed his trip through Middle America to talk with actual everyday people. One of the things that struck me were the numbers of people across the entire political spectrum that were getting sick and tired of the blowhard type of discussion that has dominated our political landscape. I’m talking about the pundits. I’m talking about the political rallies, where people are foaming at the mouth. I’m talking about candidates that feed off of discontent for the only purpose of getting elected than getting anything done.

I looked up what compromise means. According to Merriam-Webster, a definition of compromise as a noun is “something intermediate blending qualities of two different things.” As a transitive verb, it is defined as “to bind by mutual agreement.” When I see our congresspeople doing their little press conferences, what I see is them trying to defend their political credibility. They talk about compromise. However, what I see is them trying to cater to their supporters rather than looking at the big picture of what our country needs. Since when was it more important to stick to your own than to cross the aisle, transcend difference and get some things done. Can you imagine being remember for getting things done? What a concept?!

I pride myself in filling my network with people from different ideologies, backgrounds and mindsets. I have little room for people that I can’t have a good conversation with. Some of the best and smartest people I know lean way more conservative than me. Do I always agree with them? Definitely not. However, at the end of the day when we conclude a discussion on issues, we respect each other and agree to disagree. No personal attacks. No threats or fistfights. Sometimes, we even find some common ground. If only our “leaders” would do the same.

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