How can Missourians come together if politicians keep dividing us? | Opinion

Following the examples set by Republicans in Washington, Jefferson City’s GOP politicians have adopted a “We do what we want and to hell with the people” approach to governance. Their current attempt to force a vote on the abortion question once again, the proposed gerrymandering and disenfranchisement of minorities and others (which is probably illegal and is certainly not in the spirit of democracy) and their goal of making it more difficult for residents to address issues through the initiaitive petition process, follows what MAGA wants for the country. No leadership from Missouri politicians — only fealty, pomposity and self-congratulation. They are, in effect, destroying our faith in how democracy works.

Our state’s so-called “leadership” also contributes to something far more sinister: an increasing polarization between those considered conservatives and those considered liberals, despite the fact that Americans’ political views are far more nuanced than a simple right-left divide. Our daily news often highlights the latest shooting that ultimately evolves into each side blaming each other, although a mindset of “Don’t confuse me with the facts” seems apparent in many cases. And as people run in different directions, the polarization continues — along with the idea that our democratic system actually works.

For our older generations, the threat of a divided America is nothing new, as is evidenced by comments made by all our recent presidents other than Donald Trump. Each president called for renewed efforts to bring America together and urged us to get back on track, although details as to how we do this were lacking then as they are now. But the current administration does not bother itself with such antiquated worries, apparently preferring the zero-sum game approach that we have now. We must win, and you must lose. When you are no longer restrained by things such as rules and laws, then anything is possible.

For decades, sociologists have attempted to answer the question of what keeps societies together and what pulls them apart. Emile Durkheim, a Frenchman writing in the latter 1800s and early 1900s, was one of the first to take a serious look at those underlying factors in society that contributed to individual decisions such as suicide. He identified a concept that he called anomie, defined as a state of normlessness, disorder or confusion in society (norms being prescriptions of do’s and don’ts). He described a situation where people became unsure about how they were to act, which in turn lead to a disconnect with society and where individualism replaced collective values. Durkheim also believed that social cohesion — shared norms and values — is essential but at risk during widespread stages of anomie. When norms are changing or unclear, social disintegration becomes likely.

Given today’s elected leaders, people from both parties feel some degree of anomie. Confusing many, we have a federal government that pardoned hundreds of convicted rioters, attacks free speech guarantees, implemented tariffs without Congress, slashed federal budgets that support the poor, reduced taxes on the rich, denied health care for millions, deployed soldiers to selected cities and intimidated anyone (including Republican politicians) who disagree with the felon in charge.

Is it any wonder that millions of Americans display anxiety when many of our previous understandings (norms) are no longer in effect? And when people feel isolated, distrustful and disconnected, it is no surprise that they seek out others who feel the way they do.

So are there any solutions for an increasingly polarized America whose understandings of political norms is being shattered? Perhaps the only thing possible would include dramatic changes in our system of electing and reelecting our leaders — which probably means nothing will be done. Perhaps implementation of term limits would be a step in the right direction? Age limits for members of Congress and Supreme Court justices? Changes in our electoral system? Or better yet, some serious training of our citizens in understanding how our government works combined with a dose of critical sense?

Or perhaps the solution offered by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who has called for a national divorce between the left and the right.

Really? Perhaps so-called “leaders” like her are the problem.

Terry Rodenberg retired as a professor of sociology and Executive Director of International Programs from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.