Last weekend I wrote an article for this editorial page that encouraged everyone in Chickasha to begin 2008 focused on the positive, looking for the good that is all around us, but it’s often hard to see when looked at through eyes of division and fear. I wanted to continue in that same direction with an additional thought on seeing things differently. I was recently drawn to a book by the name of “Common Ground” because I am so troubled by the division that I see in all levels of politics and opinion. From the Federal Government down to our local community, we are a people at war with one another. We live in a democracy where ideals and philosophy must be debated, and have been for over 200 years, leading to the formation of the greatest country in the world. But what we are seeing and reading now is much deeper and disturbing than the simple debate of ideas. We are witnessing a breakdown in common decency, often ending up with the complete character assassination of our foe. Ideology and party have become more important than country and what is best for the majority of our citizens. To win on a point has less to do with debating the merits of the idea than it does to being victorious and making the other guy look bad in the process. The book Common Ground presents a great definition of this polarization that bears repeating: “Polarization occurs when the opposing camp regards a candidate as not simply wrong, but corrupt and wicked. The assumption is that one side is absolutely right, the other absolutely wrong, and the wrong side deserves to die absolutely.”

I believe to be prosperous we must be united at every level; family, business, church, city government, school, we must be a community. I have focused a lot of attention over the last couple of years on mending some fences, and building bridges to other organizations. It is possible to debate the direction of a community or organization without grandstanding or belittling those we are debating. May we all keep in mind that only time will tell if some decisions or ideas are good or bad, so to be absolute in any of these debates is irresponsible. At best it boils down to an opinion or educated guess at which solution or direction is best for any given problem. And once a final decision is made we should all walk in a little grace, believing that the decision was made with the most upright intensions.

I am believing for a little more common ground in Chickasha beginning in 2008. I would love to see this editorial page filled with lively debate, the launching of new ideas, and many more letters that build up one of our neighbors versus tearing them down.

I ask you to join me in seeing the good that is all around us, and to declare and believe that 2008 will be the greatest year in the history of Chickasha. Thank you for allowing me to serve such a great community as your Mayor, have a blessed and prosperous new year.