The Difference Between Rational and Irrational In Modern Politics and National Development

Let us discuss the difference between rational and irrational in modern politics and national development. Right now we are hyper political and people who are seen as in the middle are often sidelined in support of the vocal fringes of the political spectrum. Let me give you a few examples based in some modern issues we are dealing with and how there might be differences in perspectives. (Recently, we have turned a corner now we have seen some of the risks of supporting irrationality at the expense of national unity around shared core values.) 

Before I do this, let me say that not having enough information is not irrational. Especially true if we are logical about those gaps in information and hedge them with our strategic choice optimization. However, jumping to conclusions that would not be most likely true by accepting some information while ignoring others of equal value based our own faulty mental filters (i.e. selective attention) likely leads to poor decisions not based in evidence. In many ways that is irrational.

1. Policing: Rationality might say that while most police officers have a commitment to our ideals there is room for improvement. Irrationality is that no police officer can do anything wrong or right no matter what the circumstances and there is no room for improvement.  (I might say 80% excellent officers, 19% need to be managed, and 1% engage in criminality. One could study it and come to more accurate numbers and that will depend on their research population. Another might say 100% all good or all bad.)

2. Politics: Rationality might say that based on the science of problem resolution and the way teams form that if Democrats and Republicans work together they are likely going to solve some national problems and come to legislation with wider public appeal. Irrationality might say all Democrats or all Republicans are evil and stupid. (I might say evidence based Rino Dinos might have value in solving political problems. Another might hate the other side so much they are willing to commit crimes against those they disagree with.)

3. Race and Religious Conflict: Rationality might say that based on our Constitution and trajectory of democracy's development that all Americans have value and should have their rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion protected. We should also encourage people to engage in society as much as possible and shared thought out perspectives. Irrationality might say only some people have value and we should silence them through intimidation (I might say our nation can develop its human capital be standing by its values encouraging a growth environment. Others might say that we want the environment to limit the performance of some for the benefit others through discrimination and extremism.)

Not sure what rationality means in our current politics but I believe we should support the next generation and not throw that away for irrationality or selfishness. Let us continue this discussion between rationality and irrationality without the use of power over dynamics shall we (i.e. the rationality of shared perspectives. We already know what some others might say....)?

"Many of the things you can count, don't count. Many of the things you can't count, really count." Einsten