Government that Doesn’t Work

As I write this column, the prospects for Congressional approval of an increase in the national debt ceiling appear dim at best. Our elected representatives are locked in a death struggle, with neither side willing to compromise on what they believe to be the core principles of their political beliefs. And so, we move ever closer to August 2^nd, the date when (we are told) we will run out of enough cash to pay all the bills, with dire consequences predicted by those who are supposed to understand all this stuff.

The debt limit debate perfectly symbolizes the state of our national government at this time in history: individuals and parties that refuse to concede anything to their "opponents," in the belief that their positions cannot be compromised, that their views must prevail. Press conferences in which each side blames the other for not being trustworthy, for not understanding what "the people" want and for not caring about the country’s future. And so, the basic expectations of most Americans, such as pay for work performed, trust in their government’s promises and the security of their life savings, are jeopardized and confidence in their country’s future is dashed even further.

What is really damaging, however, is what this death struggle is doing to undermine the good work that goes on in so many other areas of our public life. Seeing our highest legislative body unable to ensure that even the basic functions of government are performed, citizens understandably turn against all public officials. Well-run states, cities, towns and villages, transit authorities, schools, utilities and so many other public enterprises become the focus of citizen frustration with "government" and how government conducts its business.

And so, the performance of the U.S. Congress (and the Executive Branch) during this long, hot summer will leave a lasting image of government that doesn’t work. Whether the debt limit is raised at the last minute or not, public confidence in the government will most certainly be eroded even further, and for a long time. Let us hope that the public officials who understand the importance of what they do and who take pride in their work can win back the confidence and respect of the citizens they serve. It is these individuals who can demonstrate that government still can function efficiently and effectively, far removed from TV cameras, talking heads and political ideologies.