From the file. Written for the paper dated October 2013. Opened in the public stacks July 14, 2026.
In an age where performance metrics are held in high esteem, there is a growing trend that favors process over the actual outcomes of that process. As political and social climates shift, it seems certainty is being marketed more vigorously than performance, and both sides of the aisle are complicit in this phenomenon.
Process: The New Currency
The contemporary political landscape is rife with rhetoric that emphasizes the importance of process. Politicians and their supporters often highlight procedural victories, claiming that the mere act of engaging in a process is indicative of success. However, this raises an important question: is the act of going through the motions truly a victory if it does not yield tangible results?
On the left, there is a tendency to celebrate the procedural aspects of legislation, often at the expense of the actual impact of the laws being passed. For instance, the Affordable Care Act, hailed by many as a monumental achievement for expanding healthcare access, has faced criticism for its rollout and the actual effectiveness of its provisions. While the process of crafting the legislation was lauded, the performance in terms of implementation has left much to be desired.
Conversely, the right has similarly embraced a focus on process, often framing their legislative battles in terms of procedural integrity and adherence to the Constitution. However, this has led to a situation where the emphasis on procedural purity can obstruct necessary progress. The filibuster, once a tool for extended debate, has become a weapon for inaction, allowing political factions to stall critical legislation under the guise of protecting democratic processes.
Certainty as a Commodity
In both cases, certainty has become a commodity that politicians are eager to sell. They assure their supporters that processes are being followed, that checks and balances are in place, and that democracy is functioning as intended. Yet, this certainty often comes at the cost of actual performance. As citizens, we are left with the disheartening realization that, while the machinery of government churns endlessly, the outcomes may not lead to meaningful change.
The media, too, plays a significant role in this dynamic. Coverage often prioritizes procedural developments over substantive discussions of outcomes. A legislative debate may be dissected for its procedural nuances, while the effectiveness of the legislation itself remains largely unexamined. This focus on process feeds into the narrative of certainty, allowing politicians to deflect criticism by pointing to their adherence to established procedures.
"In a world where performance should matter, we find ourselves celebrating the act of doing rather than the results of those actions."
Performance: The Forgotten Metric
As we navigate this landscape, it is critical to remember the value of performance. Citizens deserve to see the fruits of their elected officials' labor. We should not settle for assurances that things are being done correctly; we should demand to see the tangible results of those processes. Performance should be the ultimate measure of success, not the mere act of participation.
The left's fixation on the processes of social justice initiatives often overlooks the need for real-world impact. It is not enough to pass laws; the focus must shift to how those laws affect the lives of everyday Americans. Similarly, the right should not be content with procedural victories that result in legislative gridlock. A commitment to performance would mean prioritizing the needs of constituents over the desire to "win" in a political sense.
Finding a Balance
To move forward, both sides must recalibrate their priorities. A balanced approach that values both process and performance is essential for effective governance. Politicians need to be held accountable not just for how they go about their work, but for what they are actually accomplishing. A commitment to performance will require a willingness to engage in honest discussions about the effectiveness of policies and a readiness to adapt when results fall short.
Ultimately, the American public must demand more from their leaders. While the allure of certainty can be comforting, it is imperative that we do not lose sight of the importance of meaningful results. In a time of great political polarization, a shared commitment to performance could serve as a unifying principle that transcends party lines. It is time to shift the focus from mere processes to the real-world implications of those processes.
✦ ✦ ✦