by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer

In an era marked by division, political polarization, misinformation, and disillusionment with traditional party politics, the notion of “Common Sense Politics” emerges as a refreshing yet for some reason challenging alternative.

Prioritizing practicality, logic, the wisdom and morals of ordinary citizens over ideologies or party loyalties is certainly what our founders built as a foundation for our country.

So why has it been so difficult?

In this article, we will explore the principles of Common Sense Politics, its historical context, benefits and challenges, and with the interjection of one’s conscience, its potential to reshape modern governance.

The term “common sense” has its roots in philosophical discourse. One of the earliest influences was Scottish philosopher Thomas Reid, who contended that common sense judgments are inherent to human understanding.

However, the term gained more popularity with Thomas Paine’s 1776 pamphlet “Common Sense,” which argued for American independence using straightforward language accessible to the general public.

Paine advocated for a rational approach to governance, pointing out the complexities of monarchy and advocating for democracy grounded in the experiences and needs of everyday people. Sounds like a good idea…

From its inception, the concept has been intertwined with democratic ideals. Common Sense Politics is a governance model that values sensible and realistic solutions over ideological purity.

By focusing on what works rather than what is traditionally accepted, Common Sense Politics aims to bridge divides and encourage collaboration.

Of course, the cornerstone of Common Sense Politics is its commitment to realistic solutions. Decisions should be made based on evidence, practical outcomes, and what is feasible rather than strict adherence to party lines or ideological principles.

This principle encourages policymakers to seek out solutions that work for people rather than what aligns with a particular belief system. It emphasizes the importance of an informed people.

Citizens should be educated about the issues at hand, encouraging critical thinking and active participation in the democratic process. This education fosters a culture of inquiry and respect for different perspectives.

Another aspect is the emphasis on local knowledge and grassroots movements.  Ordinary citizens often possess valuable insights into their communities’ needs and challenges.

By empowering local voices and grassroots organizations, Common Sense Politics builds a more robust participatory democracy. Now we are back on track…

The ability to negotiate and find common ground is essential.

Common Sense Politics advocates for building consensus and making compromises that serve the common good. This does not mean sacrificing core values and principles but rather being open to different solutions that may come from unlikely sources.

I suppose this means we would have to be open to sitting at the same table and having an open discussion…we as a country need help with this.

My belief is you must maintain trust; therefore, governments must operate with a high level of accountability and transparency. This calls for political leaders to be transparent about their decision-making processes and results, ensuring that citizens have access to information that affects their lives.

I am convinced we can do this at a local level, but what about in Washington D.C.?

The effectiveness of policies should be judged based on tangible outcomes.  Common Sense Politics fosters a results oriented approach where success is measured not by the popularity of a policy or philosophy but by the actual impact on citizens’ lives.

One of the most significant benefits of Common Sense Politics is its potential to bridge the divisions that exist in our country.

By focusing on common interests and practical solutions, it encourages collaboration across political lines, fostering a more unified approach to governance.

By promoting citizen participation and involvement, Common Sense Politics enriches the process.  Citizens feel more empowered and valued, leading to higher engagement and studies say more voter participation.

Governments adopting a common sense approach are more responsive to the needs of their constituents.  Policies can be more effectively tailored to address specific community issues.

As citizens become more informed and involved, they take on greater civic responsibility. This engagement fosters a sense of ownership over local government and societal well-being, crucial for a thriving democracy.

By emphasizing compromise and consensus, Common Sense Politics can help reduce the level of political division and polarization. This approach calls for understanding and respect for differing viewpoints, reducing hostility between opposing factions.

Working together, people can get things done.

Now…upon reflection, this all sounds pretty good and I would bet it would make a pretty good talk on what the founding fathers had in mind.

However, we are still missing a key component that the founding fathers understood was essential in a united and successful government. It seems to escape the minds of many of our politicians these days.

“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

Then further, on September 25, 1789, the First Congress unanimously approved a resolution calling on President George Washington to proclaim a National Day of Thanksgiving for the people of the United States by declaring, “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity, peaceably, to establish a constitution of government for their safety and happiness.”

In 1954, Congress further passed an addition to our Pledge of Allegiance, “one nation, under god, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

Then finally, on July 20, 1956, Congress proclaimed that the National Motto of the United States is “in God we trust.”

To emphasize, that motto is inscribed above the main door of the Senate, behind the Chair of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and on the currency of the United States of America as a whole.

So, with all this in place, let’s examine why it is still so challenging these days to adhere to the basic principles of our founding fathers in the United States of America.

While the principles of Common Sense Politics present a compelling vision for governance, several challenges must be addressed to sort through. Established political parties and their affiliates often resist a common sense approach because it threatens their power structures.

Shifting the focus from party loyalty to common sense can be met with hostility from entrenched interests.

In an age where misinformation is rampant, questionable media sources, distinguishing between valuable information and false narratives is increasingly challenging.

Common Sense Politics relies on informed citizens, but achieving that requires substantial media literacy, critical thinking skills and an honest media. Politicians often prioritize short-term wins to ensure re-election over long-term solutions that may be less popular or have slower payoffs.

A common sense approach necessitates a willingness to pursue policies that may not yield immediate results.  Many governmental institutions and processes, bureaucrats, are resistant to change, making it difficult to implement a more sensible approach.

Reforms may be necessary to promote flexibility and responsiveness within existing systems. Politicians and Bureaucrats are in the business of Public Service. They are sworn to duty to uphold and serve, “ONE NATION UNDER GOD”?

For Common Sense Politics to take root, we must encourage several steps to implement its principles more broadly. A good start would be with our Houses of worship, Schools and community organizations.

They must develop programs that promote media literacy, critical thinking, and civic education to benefit the public.

By equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to engage thoughtfully in political discourse, we can empower a more informed electorate.  Combine that with an engaged conscience, a relationship with God, and we have something to work with.

Political leaders must be forced to pursue bipartisan solutions, to work together for the good of their community. Creating a culture of collaboration rather than competition will help foster trust across political lines.

As we move forward, it is essential to remember that politics does not have to be a battleground of entrenched ideologies to make a difference.

Instead, it can be a realm where common sense prevails, leading to effective, compassionate governance.  Remembering that we are a nation, a world, empowered by our Creator, all with the gifts He has given us, that with a little bit of thought, and prayer, we can never be divided.

Embracing Common Sense Politics may not be the ultimate solution, but it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction toward a healthier political and therefore community environment at the end of the day.

We must never forget that we walk with God and must ask for His guidance in all we do. By the actions of some in our Government, it is obvious this is a lesson they need to go back to class on.

I leave you with a quote from Gilbert K. Chesterton who with great vision said, “It’s the first effect of not believing in God, that you lose your common sense.”

Pray for all our leaders, pray for peace in the world, and ask for the strength, knowledge and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our own lives, to help us navigate these challenging times.

Peace my Brothers and Sisters, until next week…