“How are we to overcome partisan antipathies in the minds of men of all parties, so as to present a united front in the support of our country? We must cease discussing party issues, make no allusions to old party tests, have no criminations and recriminations, indulge in no taunts one against another, as too often have been the causes of all these troubles….When we have rescued the government and country from its perils and seen the flag floating in triumph over every inch of American soil, it will then be time enough to inquire who and what brought these troubles upon us. When we shall have a country and a government for our children in which they may live in peace and happiness, it will be time enough for each of us to return to our party banners according to our convictions of right and duty. Let him be marked as no true patriot, who will not abandon all such issues in times like these.”
Stephen A., Douglas, 1861
Stephen Douglas was defeated by Lincoln in the 1860 election. He led the largest rival party and had a loyal and enthusiastic following.
He gave full support to Lincoln and the war effort until his untimely death.
When the house is burning, it’s all hands to the pumps, to the water buckets, to rescue and comfort. Standing around and accusing each other of causing the fire is not who we are, or should be.
Today the United States and its allies face multiple crises. You may argue that these are not comparable to a Civil War, but the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and climate change, together with a technological revolution that disrupts established patterns of trade, work, and employment, comes close.
In times of crisis unity is patriotism.
Today, the leaders of the opposition party and its most powerful news outlets seem to be missing in action.
Many of you may see my comments as a partisan reaction. They aren’t. Fox News and many in the Party have chosen a narrative that clearly serves the interests of future partisan gain, next Fall’s election, rather than contributing to a unified national response to the present crisis. Don’t take my word for this. Just listen to what they are saying.
In a crisis people come to help, and ask what they can do now. “Here is my hand and while I’m fighting alongside you here’s a suggestion or two.” You get in the way if all you do is talk about how bad things are and where you think the blame lies.
There will be a time to judge past actions. That is what an opposition party does in election campaigns. When there is immediate danger, the opposition as well as those who are neutral, become supporters of the government. Supporters in the sense that they pitch in and do whatever they can to advance the interests of their country, to make their government successful.
This is called loyalty. This is called citizenship. This is called being an America.
Thanks for reading John Bing’s Newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
