Right from the Middle: Growing divide undermining American strength and Democracy

By Bill Lipinski

William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia — William O. Lipinski former Congressman

I believe the original cause of the great divide in our democratic republic is the loss of faith or trust in our leaders and our institutions.

The seeds for this great divide were planted about 55 years ago, by the demonstrations and riots at the Democratic Presidential Convention in Chicago.

The divide widened in the very late 60,s and early 70.s when the unionized construction workers clashed violently with the anti-Vietnam war demonstrators in lower Manhattan, this was the first visual Clash between what people began to call the educated elite and the working class.

Also occurring at this time were the women’s liberation movement, the abortion issue becoming more and more significant, and the anonymously importance of the family unit began to erode in the American culture.

And then came Newt Gingrich with his wild inflammatory speeches against the Democrats on the house floor during special orders.

There by making the Republicans and Democrats no longer parties simply with different ideas on how to govern America but into evil enemies.

When the Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives, their tactics duplicated the Republicans’ .As the years have passed the faith or trust in our institutions and our leaders has deteriorated faster and faster. The loss of trust in law enforcement, the federal government, religious institutions, corporations, business in general, technology, education, science, medicine, general progress, and a specially the media. I subscribed to the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, so I can try to figure out what is the truth, what is reasonable and what is rational. I can only trust myself to make that decision. It is a terrible state of affairs, when I find myself in that unfortunate position.

As public trust In these institutions has evaporated; Americans have lost faith and trust in their fellow citizens, ripping the United States of America apart.

As President Obama said we should not have red states and blue states and purple states, but only red white and blue states; American states.

Unfortunately, once Obama gained the White House he forgot that speech. President Biden campaigned on the theme of bring us that is spelled capital U.S. altogether.

I am afraid he has done very little of that, in fact he has divided America more. But the greatest divider of all has been President Trump.

President Trump saying over and over and over again the presidential election against President Biden was stolen from him. Without a shred of evidence.

And of course we must remember Stacy Abrams in Georgia claiming the governor’s race was stolen from her, and manyothers saying this and that elections were stolen

All these fake election claims has caused Americans to have deep doubts about the integrity of elections.

The very foundation of our Democratic Republic free and fair elections American citizens are questioning. This is the end of this week’s column.

I will return to this subject in my next column and more than likely a number of columns in the future.

(Contact Bill Lipinski at [email protected]. Also check out Bill’s weekly podcast with columnist Ray Hanania Two Guys on Politics at www.TwoGuysonPolitics.com.)

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William Lipinski

William Oliver Lipinski is a former U.S. Representative from the State of Illinois. He served as the Democratic Committeeman from the Chicago 23rd Ward from 1975 and as Alderman of the Ward until he was elected to the Congress in 1982.

Lipinski writes the "Right from the Middle" Column twice each month.

Born in Chicago, Cook County, Ill and graduated fromSt. Patrick High School, Chicago, Ill., 1956; attended Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, 1956-1957; United States Army Reserves, 1961-1967.

Lipinski was elected alderman, Chicago, Ill., city council, 1975-1982; He was a delegate to: the Democratic National Midterm Convention, 1974; Democratic National Convention, 1976 and 1984; Illinois state Democratic convention, 1977.

He was elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-eighth and to the ten succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1983-January 3, 2005)

His email is [email protected]

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