Danger of Ideological Rigidity in America 

In American governance, ideology often obstructs the fulfillment of this country’s mission.  America's mission, as outlined in its founding documents, emphasizes freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. 

The Articles of Confederation, America's first governing document, illustrate the pitfalls of a strict ideological approach. Created during the Revolutionary War, the Articles established a notably weak central government that lacked essential powers, such as taxation and regulation of commerce. The national government had no authority over the states, each state had one vote, and any amendment to the Articles required unanimity. This rigidity left the fledgling nation unable to address foreign and domestic issues effectively, leading to extreme tensions among the colonies.

The inadequacies of the Articles became evident as economic turmoil and interstate conflicts arose during the 1780s. Congress struggled to resolve disputes and unrest, such as Shays' Rebellion, which underscored the need for a more effective governance framework. These challenges demonstrated that a strict ideological approach, without room for flexibility, hindered the nation's ability to grow and prosper.

Today, America faces ideological polarization reminiscent of the divisions seen during the Civil War. As President John Adams once remarked, “Ideology is the science of idiots.” Both Liberals and Conservatives who adhere rigidly to their ideologies believe they are acting in America's best interest, but they often obstruct progress. Pragmatism, not ideology, is essential to sustain the American experiment and move the nation forward.

For instance, Liberals who maintain that war is never necessary put the country at risk.  President John Adams also stated, “I must study politics and war [so] that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.” This perspective underscores the necessity of preparedness to defend against threats, both foreign and domestic. Absolute pacifism can leave a nation vulnerable to aggression and undermine its security.

Conversely, Conservatives who believe war is always necessary also endanger the nation. General Norman Schwarzkopf's quote, “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war,” emphasizes the importance of diplomacy and preparation during peacetime to minimize conflict and bloodshed. A relentless focus on military solutions can drain resources and escalate tensions unnecessarily.

In governing, every issue, policy, and law must be debated before implementation. Some policies demand clear, decisive action with no room for compromise, while others benefit from seeking a middle ground. Politicians who boast about receiving an "A-plus" rating from any political group may lack independent thought and the unwillingness to make policies work for all citizens. Instead of blindly following ideology, leaders must engage in pragmatic problem-solving that considers diverse perspectives and seeks the best outcomes for society.