Toxicity of Cambridge Politics

It appears that Councilor Benzan desires civility in Cambridge political speech, unlike the toxic national political discourse. Au contraire. Cambridge is a one party dominated city. There is seldom any opposition. All politicians support education, affordable housing, diversity and equal opportunity. They say. But when details are discussed there are some differences. Hallelujah. Benzan is the only official I saw who objected to the disgraceful black only candidate forum held in a public theater. That indicates how fearful Cambridge officials and residents are of advocating for equality in fact not just in words. 

Nationally there are still two strong parties, a requirement for a functioning democratic republic. If the Democrats have their way there will be only one party as under the soviet system and in many countries. Having two strong parties is not enough. They must compete, unlike the merging mush of the two parties in Congress, who go along to get along. Dissent is essential. Even the ACLU recognized that when George W. Bush was President. 

The Cambridge City Council is conformist. The Massachusetts legislature is a one party conformist body. Harvard University discourages non conformity too. It is not toxic to disagree. What is toxic are the personal attacks and unlawful political abuses of government power. Because disagreement is discouraged few citizens know how to disagree civilly. Add the lack of critical thinking ability among the population and you have a recipe for disaster. Mix in the low information and the no information voters. But the most dangerous are the omniscient voters. Some resources should promote tolerance, diversity of ideas in fact not just in words.

As for Cambridge as the best city in the world, The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Ranking and Report, August 2014 says Melbourne, Australia is the best. Number 27 is Honolulu, as the best US City. Cambridge does not appear in the top fifty.

https://www.gfmag.com/global-data/non-economic-data/best-cities-to-live

[From article]
I’m more convinced than ever that we live in the greatest city in the world. Meanwhile, several candidates would lead you to believe that Cambridge is one of the worst. The toxicity of national elections is bleeding into our local elections, and it is unfortunate because that is not the kind of city we are.

http://cambridge.wickedlocal.com/article/20151020/NEWS/151029524

LETTER: Toxicity of national elections is bleeding into Cambridge elections
Posted Oct. 20, 2015 at 12:30 PM
Updated Oct 20, 2015 at 12:32 PM
Cambridge Chronicle
To the editor:
Dennis A. Benzan, vice mayor and city councilor seeking re-election