This week marked the 65th anniversary of the last addition to the stars on the American flag as Hawaii became a state: has the "more perfect union" been achieved?
Interesting, and true, in principle. However, I fear that the ability of our governments to effectively use the tools at their disposal is no longer what it was 75 years ago. In particular, the ability to forge the necessary consensus in a nation as large, varied, and populous as the US is a heavy lift. I fear too heavy. When Newt Gingrich decided to no longer attempt to compromise "across the aisle" - in fact to go scorched earth on more or less everything - the rules appear to have changed, permanently.
Interesting, and true, in principle. However, I fear that the ability of our governments to effectively use the tools at their disposal is no longer what it was 75 years ago. In particular, the ability to forge the necessary consensus in a nation as large, varied, and populous as the US is a heavy lift. I fear too heavy. When Newt Gingrich decided to no longer attempt to compromise "across the aisle" - in fact to go scorched earth on more or less everything - the rules appear to have changed, permanently.
Very informative - thanks.