The time has come for a return to bipartisan partnership in this state, rather than the us-vs.-enemy attitude that has invaded Minnesota's Legislature and politics in recent years.
The "our way or the wrong way" approach to politics in recent years has only resulted in a government shutdown in Minnesota and a polarization of the state's political process.
It has not been a good development for Minnesota or its citizens.
All too often citizens following the lead of politicians are taking the politics to a personal and uncivil level. When the political discourse sinks to a personal level, no one wins -- neither the citizens nor the politicians.
We challenge all citizens and politicians in this election year to choose their words carefully and wisely.
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Neither political label -- liberal or conservative -- is considered a "negative" term in the dictionary.
A liberal is defined as "free of bigotry. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded."
A conservative is defined as "favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change. Traditional or restrained in style."
Neither political perspective is wrong, but you wouldn't know it when listening to some of the political discourse or the talk show media. Those with opposing views are often referred to as the "enemy."
It seems to us that we are all considered Americans and Minnesotans first.
That was why it was refreshing to see Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor politicians gather this week at a two-day workshop at the University of Minnesota, working to find ways to work in a bipartisan manner and avoid future shutdowns. This is a step toward to a better tone in politics.
It is something leaders in both political parties should consider. It is time for leaders of both parties to practice civility and bipartisanship.
No matter what citizens are debating -- the decision to go to war vs. the war on terror; marriage amendments vs. the rights of gays; the lobbyist corruption vs. they did it when they were in power; Gopher stadium vs. Twins stadium; transportation spending vs. school funding; or who failed worse in Katrina vs. who is at fault for the federal deficit explosion -- civil discourse this election year is needed by all.
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Citizens share the same responsibility as politicians in their political discourse.
Hopefully, it is something we all remember during this election year of 2006.
