Where I stand—Brian Greenspun: Looking past labels

Thursday, May 10, 2001 | 8:34 a.m.

GIVE ME a D. Give me an R.

Give me an Alka Seltzer because this whole thing is giving me a stomachache. I refer, of course, to the newest definition of independence in these United States of America, which has turned the word on its head and the concept of individualism back to a time where it didn't exist.

There was a time not too long ago when people were known for the company they kept and the ideas that they espoused. Their relationships were often built upon those friendships but were hardly ever lost because of the ideas which may have differed, one from the other. Put another way, there was a sophistication in the American soul that encouraged social intercourse amongst people based upon their common interests and goals and which didn't allow a separation merely because of political or other intellectual disagreement.

Oh, how life has changed. And, in this regard, I join those who yearn for the good old days because that was a time when people got along even when they didn't. I suppose we can blame talk radio or talk television for what has happened to America but that would be too simple and wouldn't place the blame squarely where it belongs. No, we must place the blame on those of us who have allowed ourselves to be manipulated by those who gain when the rest of the country faces off against each other.

The question of the day is why? Why have otherwise intelligent people dumbed themselves and their arguments down to the point that they ignore or dismiss those with differing opinions merely because they carry a different label? We see it happen all the time. If you are a Democrat, the arguments of Republicans are easily rebutted, not on intellectual grounds but because they come from a Republican! The same is true, even more so these days, when the labels are reversed.

I ought to know. As a member of the Republican Party ever since I was old enough to vote, I have been amazed at the name calling that has come my way just because I disagree with what is now mainstream Republican thought. I say now because the kind of thinking that has permeated the party of Abraham Lincoln in 2001 is far different from the kind of thought that first attracted me and others of like mind a generation ago.

Mind you, I said I am amazed, not bewitched, bothered or bewildered. Just amazed because I have grown up in a state that exalted individualism and now, for some reason, many in high office decry the wisdom of individual thought. Politics is no longer just about choosing up sides and may the best man with the best ideas win. Now it is more about choosing up sides and to heck with the other guy's ideas. I am not so sure that this is the best way to grow a democracy. In fact, I am certain it is the sure way to the ruination of this great experiment.

Not too long ago, the U.S. Congress was polarized to the point that families of Democratic congressmen were not allowed or invited to play or visit with the families from the other side of the aisle. It was idiotic and yet it was the order of the day. Just because they wore different letters on their jerseys! With the fall of Newt Gingrich and the passing of some time, some of the acrimony has left although there is still a long way to go to return to a time of civility in which ideas win the day and not just numbers.

But the lessons of Washington have so far been lost on the rest of the United States. People are still being categorized by what party they belong to rather than who they are or what they believe. And in Nevada this lunacy is exacerbated by the very concept of individualism that used to set us apart and above many of our fellow citizens.

I remember the days -- not too long ago -- when Nevadans would elect a Republican governor and a Democratic lieutenant governor or vice versa. It was the ultimate manifestation of the ability of people to vote for the person and not the party, and it was a sign of the great political courage and wisdom of the voters in this state that they could do so. It also showed the resilience of our democracy and the willingness of our leaders to work across party lines to get done what had to get done.

In 2001 things have changed. While most elected officials might want to cling to concepts such as bipartisanship and political independence, the truth is that those who show such inclinations are quickly whipped back into the party lines of their leaders. And the same thing happens all down the line. And the danger is that this is happening in our homes, neighborhoods and cities to the point that ideas are losing where they should be carrying the day.

We should know better than to put people's ideas into boxes marked R or D and count or discount them accordingly. We have learned long ago that no one has a corner on good ideas. They come from all parties and all people. To ignore them because they didn't come with political pedigree is to shortchange our communities and states that, frankly, need every good idea available to weather the storms that come our way.

If we can acknowledge that the trend is wrong for America then we are part of the way toward the proper fix. To get the rest of the way, though, each of us has to be willing to look past the labels. Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, there are plenty of people with plenty of good ideas and they come from all manner of political thought.

Give me a D and give me an R. It doesn't matter as long as the person behind