What everyone in DC needs is a dose of humility

In an Aurora, Colorado, a classroom of high-school seniors and two former congressmen — one a Colorado Democrat, the other a Washington state Republican — were recently asked the question, “How have you two been able to be friends, but also work out your political differences?”

The answers they gave have application to the president and others who hold high public office. “Humility” answered one former member. “Having a robust two-party system acting within the bounds of the Constitution” said the other. The answers drew nodding heads among the students and their teachers.

The class, currently studying the Constitution, and the former congressmen, both emphasizing the importance of civic learning, had a robust one-hour discussion. Topics covered included executive orders, immigration, public service and each former member’s path to leadership.

Most presidents come to office with an abundance of self-confidence. So do other elected officials. The 44th and 45th presidents have seemed incapable of admitting mistakes: President Obama regularly blamed Republican obstruction for his policy failures, while President Trump blames Democrats but more often blames the national press.

{mosads}Neither has been willing to admit shortcomings, policy mistakes or human error. Recent aggressive behavior by town hall participants have put many federal lawmakers on the spot. Some lawmakers seem to hide behind “telephone town halls” rather than face their critics in-person. Granted, such meetings by phone allow for more remote participation, but that’s likely a political pretext justifying absence from face-to-face confrontations.

Having a sense of humility, not being extremely self-conscious and willing to admit being less than omnipotent, are qualities that many Americans respect. Americans are astonishingly forgiving. They’re willing to acknowledge a public official’s humanity, one’s vulnerabilities and mistakes, especially if the mistakes are policy-oriented and not personal.

The Aurora high-school students were a meaningful gauge. The younger generation seems willing to forgive public policy errors in judgment, especially if public officials acknowledge their humanity.

An active two-party system within constitutional guidelines fosters compromise, an essential element in reaching public policy agreement. When the Constitution was first written, significant compromise occurred among America’s Founding Fathers and many policy compromises have occurred ever since.

America’s current polarization hasn’t lessened the need for serious public policy compromise. Today, too many Democrats and Republicans won’t speak to each other and the opportunity for compromise is lost.

And while Trump has used many executive orders, no one perfected it like his predecessor. Obama frequently used executive orders to circumvent Congress, since they hold the full force and effect of law. The Aurora students objected to the executive enacting laws under the purview of the legislative branch.

A Somali student asked how to stop Trump from implementing executive orders. The Democratic former member responded by asserting that Congress should more aggressively insist on its Article I responsibilities, arguing that Democratic and Republican members of Congress must be unafraid to work out their political differences for the good of Americans everywhere.

As one Republican who was able to previously enact a change in American foreign policy relating to lifting the embargo on food and medicine to Cuba, for cash payments only, it took many Democrats in Congress to enact such a major policy change. Neither side sacrificed political principles, yet the policy change helped America realize billions of dollars ever since in cash sales of American products to Cuba.

To many, it was a perfect example of how Democrats and Republicans, both with seemingly intransigent policy principles — though both sides acknowledged the human rights violations of the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro — could work together for the good of America.

There’s an old tale of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, fresh from the Constitutional Convention, being asked the the question, “What have you created?” Franklin replied, “A democracy, madam, if you can keep it.”

Keeping America’s democracy depends on compromise, respecting the constitutional separation of powers and being willing to be humble in the performance of official duties. Facing one’s employers, like marching into the boss’s office when summoned or facing constituents to answer for your actions, is part of the responsibility of public service.

Overcoming polarization requires determination. Getting along with opponents to move America forward is required of President Trump, members of Congress and anyone who aspires to public service. Republicans and Democrats needn’t hate each other.

George R. Nethercutt Jr. is a former U.S. representative from Washington state, serving from 1995 to 2005.

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