In a recent development on the political stage, New York’s Democratic leader, Senator Chuck Schumer, on a Thursday morning, held up Ben Wickler from Wisconsin as the potential head of the Democratic National Committee. Wickler, unfortunately, is an insider’s insider, entrenched in the Washington swamp. Even Schumer seems to think that being one of the ‘best state party chairs’ qualifies one as a future Democratic National Committee chair. However, Wickler’s obscure endorsements highlight the lack of fresh ideas in the Democratic party, signalling continuity of the same old policies.
On the same day, President Biden decided to bestow the Presidential Citizens Medal, which stands as one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, on twenty individuals. Disappointingly, it seems that the majority of these accolades were given to politically aligned individuals, rather than folks that may have truly made a meaningful impact in their fields or communities.
There was also an unfortunate nod of approval to political opponents in an attempt to create a façade of bipartisanship. Biden selected Liz Cheney as a medal recipient, ignoring the fact that she was ostracised by her own party due to her vocal opposition to Donald Trump, causing her to lose her political standing within the Republican Party of her home state, Wyoming.
It was no surprise that several of Biden’s choices were individuals who echoed his own partisan agenda. Many of the other awardees were long-time advocates who consistently and relentlessly pursue their own political ideologies, dealing with issues such as gay rights, women’s rights, and desegregation – all causes central to the Biden administration’s polarising agenda.
This opaquely political list of award recipients was not without its Hollywood connections. Among the honorees was Mr. Dodd, a former Democratic senator from Connecticut. More interestingly for some, Dodd happens to be a significant player in the movie industry as a lobbyist. Conveniently, he served as on Biden’s vice-presidential selection committee during the contentious 2020 campaign.
Retired basketball player Bill Bradley’s name was also in the mix of awardees. After an NBA career with the New York Knicks, during which he received two championships, Bradley transitioned into a political career. He served as New Jersey’s senator for the Democratic Party for 18 years and even attempted to run for president in 2000, only to lose to Al Gore.
However, among the line up of political favorites and celebrities, the actual contribution and worth of some honorees seemed overlooked. Frank K. Butler Jr., a former Navy SEAL and eye surgeon, truly stands out from the crowd. His work developing new guidelines for battlefield medical interventions has been widely recognized for saving thousands of lives in combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Yet, his immense achievements in real fields of adversity were lined up beside others who were rewarded just for echoing the administration’s political ideology. While credit is due where it’s due, the criteria based on which these medals are awarded seemed blatantly partisan. The awarding of such important honors should bring people together, but in this scenario, it only seems to have highlighted the stark divisions across the political spectrum.
It is a shame that the actions of leaders like Biden, who push for purported ‘bipartisanship and decency,’ only seem to be deepening the divide. Real bipartisanship shouldn’t involve rewarding those who simply echo one’s own political ideologies. It ought to be about finding common ground in an increasingly polarised nation, fostering unity and healing the nation.
The President’s choice of recipients for this important honor seems to only deepen the divisibility and animosity among the general public. The question remains, how can this administration be seen as ‘bipartisan and decent’ when it seems so determined to promote its own political agenda at the cost of national unity?
While pushing a political agenda is nothing new in Washington, D.C., the blatant use of a national civilian award ceremony is nothing short of disappointing. The Presidential Citizens Medal should be a platform to honor those who truly epitomize the qualities and virtues that make our nation great, and not merely another political tool.
The actual contribution and selfless service of Frank K. Butler Jr. seem a mere afterthought, lost in the political theatrics of awarding celebrities and the politically aligned. His honor appears diminished in the politically charged environment. His recognition should have been a unifying force but was, unfortunately, marred by partisan politics.
It is high time for our leaders to rise above partisan politics, recognize real contributions, and work towards a truly united nation. Leveraging national honors for political motivations undermines the very essence of the awards, diluting the recognition deserved by those who truly work towards making a difference in the world.
Furthermore, Schumer’s endorsement of Wickler, a career Democrat heavily bought into the traditional political machine, suggests that Democrats may continue down the path of old, familiar and unimaginative policies. As aforementioned, the persistent preference for insiders reeks of stagnation and a failure to bring new ideas to the table.
Despite what Schumer might claim, Ben Wickler doesn’t possess qualities most people are looking for in their next Democratic National Committee chair. His Washington connections and insider status might be exciting for people living in the nation’s capital, but ordinary citizens are likely looking for someone more relatable, someone who truly understands their struggles.
In conclusion, these recent developments have brought the underlying partisanship in the current administration to the fore. While leaders like Schumer and Biden continue to push their own party agenda through endorsements and awards, it is the hopes and needs of ordinary citizens that are left dazzlingly unaddressed.