Marching in Lockstep or Moving Forward Together

One of the joys of Grange membership is seeing our members join together as one. Often unity is reserved for celebrations. When we gather to celebrate a member receiving a 25, 50, or even a 75-year membership award, the room is always filled with smiles and a few tears of joy, and the memories and good wishes wash over all present.

When an outstanding citizen from our community is recognized, the members join in the congratulations that the individual deserves. Unity seems easy to achieve when we are celebrating milestones and achievements.

Yet in the Grange, we somehow achieve a sense of unity through the family or fraternal atmosphere that permeates our Grange meetings. Through our Grange bonds, we hold that unity of purpose far beyond those moments of celebration.

Yet when we come together and debate an issue, the joys of Grange membership are in the diversity of opinion. I’ve heard members speak for and against an idea. Passion has been exhibited in every Grange by members in debate on almost any topic imaginable. Friends have taken the opposite side of discussions. They have pointed out the holes in others arguments and reinforced others. I’ve even seen opinions change on the floor and members acknowledge errors and new insights.

At the end of the debate, seldom do members fail to vote their conscience. I’ve seen wives oppose their husbands, friends vote against the desires of their friends, and others have cast a lonely vote in favor or opposition. Yet after the vote is taken, the members put aside their differences and return to the spirit of fraternalism that brings us together as family.

I wonder why we so seldom see the same from our elected officials. It seems that they spend so much of the time marching in lockstep with their party. I have trouble believing that all members of a party embrace the same ideas, in so many different instances. It is simply due to party discipline?

We understand discipline in the Grange. We practice self-discipline regularly. When we cast a vote in the minority, we often still show up and help with the project, we continue to open our wallets and make donations, and we applaud our fellow members when their ideas bear fruit.

I understand the good and bad that parties bring to the political world. I also understand the ebb and flow of partisanship in American history. Would it not be better if our legislatures and Congress heard the debate about what each bill would mean to each member and their constituents, rather than to inject partisanship as the core of so many debates? 

The Grange was formed with non-partisanship as a fundamental principle and while that principle is challenged now and again, it has stood the test of time.  When the Grange moves forward on an issue, it does so with unity created through our deliberative process and the self-discipline of our membership.

Wouldn’t it be nice to see our State Legislature or Congress moving forward in the Grange fashion rather than the majority of our lawmakers marching in lockstep strictly due to their party affiliation?

Kneejerk Reactions

As the National Grange Master/President, every now and then I am quoted on a topic for a news release, by the media, or I write a blog or article. Often it draws no comment and one wonders if anyone reads it. Occasionally, it draws a bit of opposition and support and people send comments or emails to me. 

It is a fact that people who like something send in their comments in far fewer numbers than those who dislike something you have said. What is interesting is how few opposing comments are civil and respectful. Depending upon the topic, the response normally is an attack on my intelligence, a questioning of my values, an accusation of partisanship, or the charge that I’ve abandoned the Grange values.

If criticism of an elected official’s actions or words is made, their supporters will quickly jump to their defense. If a Grange policy is promoted that someone disagrees with, then the messenger is wrong. This gives me more evidence that the highly-charged partisan world we live in has serious problems.

I believe that the extreme partisanship we see in many politicians is the result, not of their leadership, but of the intolerance of their constituents. When we as the people, are not being civil and tolerant, why would many of our elected representatives choose to be above the fray? And those who disagree with the disrespectful often find themselves labeled as extremist simply for a difference in opinion.

When we react to things without thinking, or take the position that we are right and any differing view is wrong, it is human nature not to listen. Regardless of if your point of view is partisan or a specific policy position, the moment you cease to listen to other viewpoints, your argument is weakened and you cease adding to the discussion.

America and the Grange are supposed to be places where disagreement is acceptable; where the minority can express themselves and have a voice; where the majority has its way within our broad structure, yet takes no rights away from the minority; where each listens to the opinions of all.

The Grange encourages healthy, civil debate among its members. Discussion of issues and events are done outside the partisan arena and only our members create Grange policies. We view elected officials as representing all their constituents, and criticism or accolades are given based on their actions, not party affiliation.

When our members react in an uncivil “kneejerk” fashion, we explain why that position was taken. The teaching of Grange philosophy in the area of civility remains a constant process. New members are often unaware of this fundamental value and grow to appreciate it. Older members can forget this value on occasion and be thankful for a gentle reminder.

America needs the Grange philosophy of civility and respect for all. Our doors are open to any wishing to explore this old-fashioned idea. As our members say throughout the country, “Welcome to the Grange!”