We are a little past mid-way
through another year marked by fear and distrust. From race to terror, sexual
liberty to religious liberty, mass shootings to gun rights, this Country and
this state—Texas—continuously appear divided. And yet, neither the Country nor
the state of Texas has fallen apart or devolved into complete anarchy (much to
some libertarians’ dissatisfaction). Why?
The answer remains unchanged by time. Disagreement is
natural, especially in a heterogeneous society, among heterogeneous people with
different backgrounds, beliefs, ideas, expectations, goals and desires. Most of
us are committed, nonetheless, to some basic principles: That every person is to be afforded the greatest liberty
compatible with the liberty of any other person, and that every person receive
equal treatment under law and equal concern by those who govern. We may
continue to disagree on so many issues (including the scope and contour of
liberty and equality), but we always return to these core political principles.
Our
core political principles infuse a desire to cooperate toward and strive for
something better for all, namely a peaceable and sustainable society wherein
people are afforded the greatest liberty and treated equally under law. We may
disagree on how to achieve our common ends, and we may disagree from time to
time over the content that informs our common ends (i.e., what is meant or
entailed by “liberty” and “equality”), but we continue to try to work together
despite disagreement, despite fear and distrust. We constantly look for ways to
trust each other and dispel fear because we value civil society and find it
worthwhile to preserve.
This year the Texas Legislature passed
some very controversial legislation. And, with a special legislative session
starting, the Texas Legislature may pass some more controversial legislation
within the next thirty days. Proponents and opponents alike should zealously
advocate for their positions, with a proviso: That in promoting one view over
another you do not diminish the dignity of any other person. This proviso may
often be met simply by lending civility to your position, that is, advocating
your position in respectful disagreement with another and a view to seeking
common ground.
No comments:
Post a Comment