I burn a lot of energy attempting to understand my fellow Americans. I consider the context of their lives and try to empathize as best I can. Yet, there are days when I think, “What’s the matter with us?” A perfect example is President Biden’s drop in his job approval ratings.
I thought we Americans, after 4+ years of ineptitude and lunacy, would appreciate a new President who makes his decisions on evidence-based facts and seeks advice from experienced experts.
To be clear, Biden is not perfect. He’s human. I understand that. I have several bones to pick with him, such as declaring a Climate Emergency and using the powers that come with it to expedite our responses to our dire situation. Time has run out for business as usual.
However, I am not a single issue voter. I take into account the complexity of Biden’s responsibilities. Considering where we’ve been, I think he’s doing the best he can. Lest we forget, he has the hardest job in the world and he’s been at it for less than 9 months. Regarding all he has accomplished, some credit is due.
At last we have a seasoned leader who is able to make decisions for the good of the country, knowing full well that his personal popularity will suffer. Yet, he is still willing to take the hit. Biden takes responsibility for his actions. No scapegoating at the expense of the most vulnerable Americans. No attempting to gain political power at the expense of our democracy.
Consider what Biden’s got to deal with. Each issue would have, in a time of sanity, taken the air out of a room. But he’s juggling at least 10 that I can think of.
- Ending the 20 Year Afghanistan War
- Defending Democracy
- Education
- Climate Change
- COVID
- Economy
- Racial Equity
- Health Care
- Immigration
- Restoring America’s Global Standing
According to the polling analysis site Five Thirty Eight, updated today, Biden’s approval rating is below 50% for the 4th week in a row. I expect low ratings from the usual suspects. Republicans are an old, blind one-trick pony. Once a legitimate political party, the GOP has given up any pretense of being anything but a fascist mob interested only in power. I don’t look to them for anything but self-serving lies and acts of violence.
Polls provide a valuable service when done properly, with a methodology that asks clear, unambiguous questions and accounts for pollster bias. It is important to remember that a single poll is a snapshot of a moment with limited usefulness. Over time, a series of polls can identify a potential trend of thinking and the emotions behind it.
It is important to understand the concerns and motivations of all of our fellow Americans. It is one of the corner stones of our democracy; an informed electorate able to rationally evaluate the issues and arrive at decisions that, while protecting the rights of individuals also safeguards the common good and rights of all members of society.
What do the polls show us? We are a nation divided by reality and illusion, with the power to govern skewed towards the unreal, unfounded, and conspiratorial. In addition, because of this destructive inclination we have become confused about the roles of government and citizen. Some of us have begun to doubt the effectiveness of democracy.
The President’s polls reflect all of this. In 2020 we desperately wanted a genuine leader and in 2021 we have one. Are we able to move beyond complaining? Are we able to work together towards a future with the civil and just society most of us want?
Our future is dismal if we don’t tackle the difficult issues that threaten us; climate change, inequality, insurrection, and an economic model that undermines our common good. To confound our attempts to solve these threats, the corrosive torrent of Republican lies and delusions eat away at our confidence in the noble aspects of our society and government. They waste our precious time with unfounded accusations. They use name calling and violence to spread fear. The GOP and fellow travelers want chaos and fear which they use to distract us from the vital work at hand. They fear a civil society with its shared economy, social justice, and the ability to pursue one’s happiness. A world of inclusion, fairness, and peace is poison to those who wish to retreat from their personal responsibilities and seek leaders whose desires are for personal power and absolute control.
Biden represents our desire for a civil society. To achieve that goal, we need to remember that through our varied experiences and aspirations we carry the seeds of our redemption as a people and species. Our strength comes from standing together and using our diversity to confound those that wish us harm.
In a truly free world, criticism isn’t a reason for division. It is an invitation for joining together in creative problem solving and celebrating of our diversity.
Today, we struggle with those that have given up on the future and are trying to retreat to a mythical past. Their path leads to destruction.
The future is ours if we choose it. Let us continue to embrace reality, face the many crisis that threaten us, and remain true to the best that we Americans and our United States represent. Our path leads to transformation.
Image of President Biden is based on the official White House portrait by Adam Schultz. Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) and according to CC BY 3.0, my artwork is also CC BY 3.0.