From the file. Written for the paper dated January 1977. Opened in the public stacks July 14, 2026.
The Week in Process Over Performance
As we navigate the political waters of January 1977, it is abundantly clear that both the left and right are increasingly enamored with process over performance. The implications of this trend are profound, and not in a good way.
The new year brings with it a fresh wave of optimism, with many looking to the recent change in administration as a turning point for the country. Yet, as we examine the prevailing narratives from both sides of the aisle, we find a troubling preoccupation with procedure rather than results. This fixation on process is evident in both legislative debates and grassroots movements, leading us to question the efficacy of our political systems.
On the left, we see a fervent commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard, a noble intention indeed. However, the obsession with inclusivity and consensus often leads to gridlock. Legislative bodies become mired in discussions that, while well-meaning, produce little more than hot air. The result is a series of bills that promise much but deliver little, leaving constituents disillusioned and frustrated.
"We cannot allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good." This sentiment echoes through the halls of Congress.
Meanwhile, the right has its own version of this dilemma, wherein the insistence on strict adherence to procedural norms often takes precedence over the need for effective governance. Whether it is the delays in appointing individuals to key positions or the constant debates about the minutiae of policy, the end result is a political landscape that is more concerned with maintaining a facade of integrity than actually serving the people. When the focus shifts to preserving the process, the performance inevitably suffers.
As we enter a new era under the Carter administration, the expectation is that a more pragmatic approach to governance will take hold. Yet, early indications suggest that both parties are still caught in their respective traps. The Democrats, buoyed by their recent electoral success, seem more interested in the process of reform rather than the outcome. They risk alienating the very voters who placed them in power by failing to deliver on promises made during the campaign.
Conversely, the Republicans are fixated on obstructing measures proposed by the new administration, believing that their process of opposition will somehow translate into political gain. This kind of obstructionism, while effective in the short term, risks long-term damage to the party’s credibility as a viable alternative. The public is growing weary of political stalemates, and the backlash could be severe for those who prioritize process over performance.
Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of this trend is the sense that both sides are effectively communicating the same message: that the political process is more important than the results it is supposed to produce. As citizens, we must demand better. It is not enough for our elected officials to engage in endless debates and discussions; we need to see tangible outcomes that improve our lives and communities.
We are at a crossroads, and the choices we make in the coming months will have lasting impacts. The electorate must hold leaders accountable for results, not just processes. While it is essential to ensure that all voices are heard, there must also be a commitment to action that addresses the pressing issues facing our nation - be it economic stagnation, civil rights, or environmental concerns.
For the left, this means embracing a more results-oriented approach to policymaking that seeks to deliver meaningful change rather than getting lost in an endless cycle of consultation. For the right, it requires a shift from mere opposition to constructive participation in the legislative process. Both parties must recognize that the time for posturing is over; the American people are looking for real solutions.
As we move deeper into this new political landscape, let us hope that both sides will find a way to break free from the shackles of procedural fixation. The future of our democracy depends on it. We must prioritize performance, focusing on results that will benefit all Americans rather than getting lost in the weeds of process.
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