Contraries and politics

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

Without Contraries is no progression. Attraction and Repulsion, Reason and Energy, Love and Hate, are necessary to Human existence.

Blake, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, 1790-3

Or, Human existence manifests contrariness? It has been experienced time and again the polarization of a population during political contests. I must admit I am puzzled by why and how this happens, except for a desire for a debate over the issues. The prevailing political system directs how many positions will be taken by the people, and how open the debate will be.

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Intellectual hatred

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

An intellectual hatred is the worst.

W. B. Yeats, 'A Prayer for My Daughter', 1919

A legislature, such as the US Congress, is a deliberative body during its legislative process; the president may deliberate with Congress during a bill's debates. In the interest of the public, an intellectual curiosity must be sustained until a final bill is passed or failed. The federal government must reflect the diversity of opinion of the people at all times- a thorough understanding of the bill in question, reception of constituents' input, arms-length advise from experts and an open legislative process are critical to a well-thought-out final vote.


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