We should celebrate debate of ideas to solve our problems

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I start 2019 with the bold proclamation that, as a whole, Americans currently live in the best time in the history of the world to be alive. So, Happy New Year! Even in the midst of current ridiculous governmental behavior, those folks who tune out social media or turn off the 24-hour news channel and take a moment to gain perspective, know this to be true.

Americans are, in fact, less racist, less homophobic, less sexist and less bigoted than we have ever been. We remain mired in conflict around the world, but let's add perspective. About 100 million people died in the 20th century in Russia and China, mostly by government persecution. Tribal battles and other wars claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in previous centuries. We obviously still have racial issues, but can anyone name a timespan in our country's history that has been better for minorities? We have health care issues, but recall that millions died from the flu pandemic in the early 1900s. The health care advances and facilities available, especially in the USA, are the best in history. Technological advances have made information available at our fingertips that were unthinkable as little as 30 years ago. We have hunger here and abroad, but the caloric intake around the world per person is the highest in history. We obviously have a wealth gap, but many statistics show this to be the best economy in my lifetime. Many employers are having a hard time filling open positions. As a nation, we have reasons to celebrate.

So is President Trump the only reason a lot of us don't want to celebrate? Is he the reason many believe we are unable to solve important issues? To answer that, simply honestly answer whether the overall outlook was really any better under President Obama or President Bush.

Nancy Pelosi recently declared that a wall on our southern border is immoral. The barrier that almost every Democrat voted for in 2013 is OK, but now a wall is immoral. Obviously, like Republicans before 2016, her main objective is to prevent a president from the opposition party from having any kind of political victory. However, looking deeper at the thought process behind that one statement unearths the main disturbing trend that explains why issues are not being solved.

To solve an issue or problem, one has to look at data, get different perspectives and analyze pros and cons. Rigorous debate between people with opposing views is the foundation of our society. It needs to be celebrated instead of condemned. Most solutions are not black and white. However, people can usually compromise and accept the outcome if decisions are made based on solid reason. Both sides might even agree to disagree and remain friends.

When someone calls a potential solution to an issue immoral, one immediately injects religion or at least subjectivity into the debate. Making money, sexual behavior and abortion are just three examples where people obviously disagree on what's considered moral behavior. If I believe that abortion is immoral and demand all laws be based on that belief, my ideology prevents any form of compromise. Thus, the issue remains unresolved. The same principle applies to all difficult issues.

Immigration has made us who we are and will continue to shape who we are as a country. We develop an effective immigration policy by promoting debate of tough, honest questions instead of calling someone immoral, racist, bigoted or xenophobic for wanting to debate questions like the following: Do we have a basic right to control our borders? If so, is a wall the best solution or even part of the solution? Do we have a right to expect that immigrants assimilate and adopt basic American values or deny their entry? Should we fix broken asylum laws that require the release of thousands of illegal immigrants into Texas cities? This obviously promotes more illegal immigration.

Should states follow federal immigration laws? What steps can we take to reduce the incentives for illegal immigration? Should we litigate the birthright citizenship question? Is it in the best interest of American citizens to allow in millions of low-skilled workers, and does this practice negatively impact low-skilled American citizens? Is sending billions to aid the people of Central America more important than addressing the 70,000 American citizens who died from opioid overdose in 2018 or the 47,000 who committed suicide? Should our political leaders pass laws and spend tax dollars to represent American citizens before assisting the poor in other countries?

Thoughtful, opposing arguments can be made for each of these questions, and there are obviously moral issues that must be considered.

However, the only way our grandchildren will be able to boldly proclaim that their time is the best in history is for us, the current generation, to demand and celebrate rigorous debate of ideas to solve our problems. That requires the application of science, reason, logic, facts and perspective. How's that for a New Year's resolution?

Dennis Turner is the senior large account executive for Duke Energy Progress. Reach him at Dennis.Turner@Duke-Energy.com.