Make no mistake about it, money talks in American politics today as never before, and no revival of our democratic culture can occur until citizens feel that their participation is more meaningful than the money lavished by PACs and big donors. Then, there are the campaigns that we politicians run which short-circuit deliberative judgment. Outside the campaign season, we, the elected leaders, too often let focus groups do the thinking for us. Public opinion does not result from reasoned dialogue, but from polls that solicit knee-jerk responses from individuals who have seldom had the opportunity to reflect on Bosnia, GATT, property taxes or public education in the company of their fellow citizens. From the Long House of the Iroquois to the general store of de Tocqueville's America to the Chautauquas of the late 19th century, to the Jaycees, Lions, PTAs and political clubs of the early '60s, Americans have always had places where they could come together and deliberate about their common future.
Today there are fewer and fewer forums where people actually listen to each other.
It's as if everyone wants to spout his opinion or her criticism and then move on. First, we need to strengthen the crucible of civil society, the American family. Given the startling increase in the number of children growing up with one parent and paltry resources, we need to recouple sex and parental responsibility. Such a message might force young men to pause before they act and to recognize that fatherhood is a lifetime commitment that takes time and money. The only given is that someone has to care for the children.