Introduction to The Common Sense Papers

Common Sense Paper No. 1

Introduction

Most Americans know—the political system is broken. Something about politics isn’t right in our country and the media routinely scares us with this sad reality. Volumes of books have been written in the last ten years on “the problem”—why we are dealing with the political polarization that is tearing apart the fabric of American society. But nearly every writer, author, strategist, or political talking-head that addresses the subject of political dysfunction falls short of offering a great solution. Why?

It's complicated. The problem is tied to very powerful systems—systems that, frankly, are working as intended. Speaking as an economist, I believe the issues we face today stem from logical choices made based on incentives that individual citizens and groups of Americans encounter in all areas of their lives. Blaming politicians or groups of voters does no good. The problem is found within the system. Once we examine the inner workings of the machinery running the system, we see the sources of toxic polarization that are grinding the gears of democracy to a halt.

It’s worth recalling the phrase selected for the Great Seal of this nation in 1782: “E Pluribus Unum.” The Latin phrase translates to “Out of Many, One.” The adage was meant to represent the federal structure of the nation—an entity formed by uniting several diverse states. Initially, the ‘many’ referred to the 13 original colonies, which joined together to form one nation. However, the phrase has evolved to also symbolize the country's melting pot of different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The design of the Great Seal of the United States was approved by Congress on June 20, 1782. The task of creating the Great Seal was a complex one that actually involved the work of three separate committees spanning several years, from 1776 to 1782. The final design was created by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress.

"It is not enough to give 'E Pluribus Unum' lip service. We have to make it a reality."

- John F. Kennedy, Address to the National Urban League (1963)

Final version of 1782 submission for the Great Seal (L) and modern version (R). Left: Charles Thomson's design for the Great Seal of the United States, 1782; Reports of Committees of Congress; Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789, Record Group 360; National Archives. Right: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Seal_of_the_United_States

The design of the Great Seal is filled with symbolism. The obverse (front) of the Seal shows an American bald eagle in flight, its wings outstretched. In its beak, the eagle is holding a ribbon with the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” The eagle holds the olive branch in its right talon as a reminder of the country's desire for peace and the bundle of 13 arrows in the left talon to signal its willingness to fight for its independence. Thomson didn't leave any notes about why he chose “E Pluribus Unum” for the seal. The phrase was well-known at the time as it appears in various sources from the classical period, and it was likely chosen to signify unity and a shared purpose.

The image stands in sharp contrast to our American political culture today, which is dominated by strife, hit points, slanders, barbs, and other unsavory conduct calculated to manipulate public opinion for the purpose of gaining or holding party power. The situation is a dangerous problem impacting all Americans. But what if, out of our many diverse ideas, opinions, and political parties, we could create one clear voice for the numerous people who want better politics and government at the national level?

These essays are not another deep dive into the problem or the question of how we found our way here. Better authors with better insights have already covered that terrain, and you will see references to their work throughout this political “pitchbook”. The whole purpose of these essays is to promote a practical solution through proactive structural reform. Before you decide that this solution is absurd or impossible, please carefully consider the full scope of the case. The choice to keep the status quo is deeply depressing—the risk of doing nothing grows even higher as more rounds are played in the current system. The tide of danger is rising and is likely to get much worse.

These essays are written with multiple levels of educational understanding in mind and do not assume the age or educational background of the reader. Some concepts are elementary. Some ideas rest on principles of systems thinking, some on economic game theory, some on human psychology, and some on political science as informed by the lessons of history. Unless otherwise noted, the essays come from an average person (I don’t claim special expertise) and are written to all Americans.

I invite you to consider an alternate electoral structure that can revolutionize America’s political choices. It’s a long shot, a real Hail Mary pass in the political game! To adequately explain the structural solution, we must cover a lot of political ground. Reviewing some of the structure of the United States political apparatus will be important, as well as an examination of some defects in our political system. Some exploration of political and social psychology, as well as thoughts and theories on human nature, will be necessary. We must examine tribalism and political loyalty in the context of modern communication. Only then can the proposed solution be adequately understood. It will not be a solution resembling those that have previously tried to use the playbook discussed here. It is carefully crafted to be available to American citizens and fits the legal structures of our present moment. And it doggedly follows common sense. The rest of the essays will go deeper into the characteristics of the Common Sense 250 platform. [Common Sense 250 is the name of the movement that would help coordinate the implementation of the ideas in these essays.] I hope to build a framework of understanding that will encourage all Americans to adopt a radical and dynamic platform in the face of our current uncertainty and frustration.

How radical? How dynamic, you ask? What if voters who prefer the policies of Bernie Sanders could form an independent alliance with voters who prefer the policies of Donald Trump, and both be better off in socioeconomic terms?  What if voters in the moderate middle no longer felt as if the country was held hostage to factions in both major parties that seem to use extreme tactics in their approach to governance? How would both of those contradictory conditions be possible at the same time? We’ll explore this answer through the Common Sense 250 platform.

What about housing affordability for young people and those with tighter incomes? Housing price increases have been a core driver of wealth creation for several generations of Americans. If the average price of homes goes up, the bulk of Americans seem better prepared for retirement, but those looking to buy a house can’t afford to enter the market. If housing prices go down, Americans may struggle to maintain living standards in retirement, but the younger generations of Americans will find housing more affordable. How do you win as a nation when different groups have diametrically opposed objectives on such a fundamental issue as where and how we live? The Common Sense 250 platform allows for more creative ideas to address vexing problems such as housing affordability.

The solution to seemingly irreconcilable political differences and objectives can only be found within a framework that is constitutional, protective of citizens who feel threatened by political change, and built on the premise that like-minded and like-hearted adversaries can find ways to agree and both be better off in the end.

The people of this country are asking for something like this solution (polls indicate as much), but the devil is lurking in the details. We must summon our better angels to find a choice that meets the problems of our day and delivers something far more functional for the benefit of the American people.

The most important political decision of the century is about to be pitched for the good of the country. Our dysfunctional situation calls for a bold approach. In these essays, I will pitch what I believe is our best chance at revitalizing our political process. The vote will be yours. Will you be in? Or will you be out? Shall we slowly rot as a nation? Or rise to something higher that is capable of meeting the challenges of our day?

Let us begin to discuss a Political System Reboot!