From the file. Written for the paper dated October 1986. Opened in the public stacks July 14, 2026.
In an age where both the right and the left seem to elevate process over performance, the implications for American democracy and governance are becoming increasingly concerning.
The Left: A Focus on Procedure
In recent weeks, we have seen the left's relentless pursuit of procedural justice over tangible outcomes. Advocates for social causes often seem more interested in how the conversation is framed rather than the efficacy of the solutions proposed. For instance, debates surrounding affirmative action and civil rights legislation are often mired in discussions about the methods of advocacy rather than the impact of these policies on the communities they aim to help. While it is certainly important to ensure that every voice is heard, the fixation on process can lead to inertia, stifling real change in the name of inclusivity.
“In an age where both the right and the left seem to elevate process over performance, the implications for American democracy and governance are becoming increasingly concerning.”
The Right: A Lament for Lost Principles
On the other side of the aisle, the right's commitment to process often manifests as a rigid adherence to traditional values and methods, which can also obscure performance. The recent budget debates, for example, have become less about fiscal responsibility and more about the procedural rules governing debate and decision-making. This fixation on process over the outcomes of legislation - whether it be tax cuts or social programs - has left many Americans wondering if their representatives are truly prioritizing the needs of their constituents or simply engaging in political theater.
The Middle Ground: A Call for Balance
As both parties indulge in their fixation on process, there is a growing need for a centrist perspective that seeks to balance performance with the necessary procedures that guide policy-making. American politics must not devolve into a mere exercise of following rules without accountability for the consequences of those actions. It is crucial to ask: are we achieving the intended results? Are policies improving lives, or are they simply the product of a well-orchestrated process?
It is evident that voters are becoming increasingly frustrated with this cycle of procedural gamesmanship. There is a palpable sense that the political elite - on both sides - are more concerned with maintaining their positions and the processes that sustain them rather than genuinely addressing the issues facing everyday Americans. The result is a disconnection between elected officials and their constituents, which can breed cynicism and apathy.
Rethinking Process: A Path Forward
For both sides of the aisle to regain the trust of the American public, there must be a concerted effort to realign priorities. While the importance of process cannot be understated, it should serve as a means to an end rather than an end in itself. Policies should be evaluated based on their performance - how they affect the lives of those they are designed to serve.
This requires a willingness to engage in honest dialogue about what has and hasn’t worked in the past. It necessitates a departure from the dogmatic adherence to process that has characterized both parties in recent years. Without this reevaluation, the disconnect between politicians and the populace will only widen, leading to further disillusionment with the political system.
A New Political Culture
Ultimately, creating a new political culture that values performance as much as, if not more than, process will demand bold leadership from both parties. Leaders must be willing to adopt an outcomes-based approach that prioritizes results over rhetoric. This is not to say that process should be disregarded; rather, it should be viewed as a tool to facilitate effective governance, not as a bureaucratic barrier to real solutions.
In a time when both left-leaning and right-leaning factions are entrenched in their views, the push for a more balanced approach could serve as the antidote to the current political malaise. It may be time for Americans to demand that their leaders not only talk the talk but also walk the walk, ensuring that the processes they uphold lead to meaningful and measurable outcomes.
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