Special Dan Perkins Op-ED

Is America divided because of Political Correctness? By Dan Perkins You can hear almost daily that the country is so greatly divided on many issues. A significant example of this division and the ensuing lack of progress is the US Congress. The once great body of debate is getting nothing done to solve our problems. If we are divided into rigid camps then one has to wonder if Political Correctness is in fact the problem. Rather than attacking the problem we are attacking each other and nothing is being solved. You can’t disagree with the president without being called a “Raciest or a bigot.” It appears that anytime you disagree with the other side you are chastised and accused that you have one prejudice or perhaps more than one. If we truly have a free and open society then we must have unfettered and respectful debate in making America and its people the best it can be. If you disagree then disagree but be human enough to allow both side to be heard don’t call them a bigot because they don’t believe what you believe. Take a look at the historical origins of Political Correctness, according to Wikipedia. They say that the source of the concept of Political Correctness was developed in the early-to-mid 20th century, contemporary uses of the phrase “Politically Correct” were associated with the dogmatic application of Stalinist doctrine, debated between formal Communists (members of the Communist Party) and Socialists. The phrase was a colloquialism referring to the Communist "party line", which provided for "correct" positions on many matters of politics. According to American educator Herbert Kohl, writing about debates in New York in the late 1940s and early 1950s, “The term “politically correct” was used disparagingly, to refer to someone whose loyalty to the CP line overrode compassion, and led to bad politics. It was used by Socialists against Communists, and was meant to separate out Socialists who believed in egalitarian moral ideas from dogmatic Communists who would advocate and defend party positions regardless of their moral substance.” In the above cite there is a very important phrase as to how PC was used, it “was used disparagingly”. Mr. Kohl goes on to say that, “to refer to someone whose loyalty to the CP line overrode compassion, and led to bad politics.” Clearly the use of Political Correct statements today has lead to bad policy and has over ridden human compassion and may in fact have dramatically inhibited problem solving in America. I believe Political Correctness has stifled American thought and it has forced its people to suppress their ideas because what they might want to suggest will not be received as not being politically correct. America has many problems and if the sharing of ideas is met with attacks then the potential ideas to solve our problems will never see the light of day. One party, or one group can never be right 100% of the time. I find interesting that Political Correctness came from the interactions between Communist and Socialists not Americans. Are we as Americans adopting through Political Correctness the ways of Communists and To ignore or openly condemn people who think and believe differently can have good ideas or at the very least ideas and solution that deserve a fair hearing is not Political Correctness but repression of freedom of speech and thought. If we do not begin to open all of our minds and abandon Political Correctness I believe we are doomed to be a second class nation in a world filled with wide spread terrorism and domination by one faith. It is time for the American people to say to our elected leaders, ENOUGH!!! Dan Perkins is a author and Registered Investment Adviser with over 40 years of investment experience. You can contact Mr. Perkins through his web site www.danperkinsatsanibel.com