Brinksmanship is typically viewed as a game nations play on the international stage.  The practice of brinksmanship is most commonly recognized as two opposing sides, each willing to communicate at least the impression serious reality, refusing concessions while raising the stakes relative to demands being made to such a level that disaster seems imminent.  The idea is that one side will concede to the other in order to avoid the perceived consequences of actual confrontation.  In other words, each side attempts to convince the other to concede by making it clear the perceived benefits will not outweigh the perceived risks.

            Potentially, today’s most consequential game of brinksmanship is not being played by North Korea, Venezuela, or Iran, nor does it possess an international flavor. It is within our own borders, intra-nationally, where a dangerous a game of brinksmanship is currently being contested by two vehemently opposed forces.  Each side has chosen the current Health Control Proposal as the focal point of the battle: the Left is demanding a centrally-planned and controlled health care system; the Right is demanding a free market health care system.

            Both sides are becoming more and more entrenched, forceful, and boisterous regarding their intentions and efforts aimed at obtaining concessions from the other side.  Each side has raised the stakes at every possible turn.  The Lefts perceived threats are seen by the Right as an attempt at molding America into a Socialist country, The Rights perceived threat by the Left is an attempt at halting national progress.  At this point, it appears as if neither side is willing to give an inch.  It is here that the idea of brinksmanship runs into a serious problem.

            The Left believes the potential benefits of its pursuit of nationalized health control outweigh the risks involved in reaching their goal.  Those opposing the Left have a slightly different perspective…they are working under the belief that nothing less than the future of a free America is at stake.  In their view there is no risk too great when considering the desired goal.  The Right is assuming the posture of those Great Patriotic individuals that founded our great nation and provided us with the rule book by which we govern ourselves…theirs is a Nationalistic emotion.  The Lefts posture is one of power acquisition through abject disregard of history and constitutional intent…theirs is a self-centered emotion that explains their misunderstanding and incorrect assessment of its position as well as the position of their opponent.

            Understanding the perspective with which each side views its position as well as the position of the opponent is a key component to successful brinksmanship game-play.  This intra-national brinksmanship we are witnessing today lacks the variables necessary for a positive outcome if neither side is willing to cede the fundamental arguments their demands are based on.

          History reveals national sentiment trumps any and all emotions held for government.  Those opposing collectivist policies will never surrender their beliefs because those beliefs were born and are supported by the U.S. Constitution.  The current administration’s failure to recognize and address this aspect of those they are doing battle with is a miscalculation of epic proportions.  By continuing its policy of brinksmanship with outright disregard and dismissal of an extremely vocal, outraged, and growing citizenry the administration and its enablers are effectively pushing both sides “to the brink”. 

          The words and actions of the so-called leaders are increasing the pace and likelihood of an eventual “showdown”.  Senator Harry Reid calling Town Hall dissenters to the Health Control Proposal “evil-mongers”, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Steny Hoyer stated that the behavior of Health Control opponents was “simply un-American”, and President Obama specifically mentioned the fact the he “doesn’t want to hear a lot of talking” from opponents of Health Control.  True leadership and statesmanship is not exhibited in such a manner in America.

          True leaders and true statesmen find ways to ameliorate a deteriorating situation.  True leaders and true statesmen actively pursue common ground and work to bring sanity and reason to political discourse.  True leaders and true statesmen search for ways to bridge the divide between opposing points of view.  The actions and words of our majority leaders depict the antithesis of sound leadership and revered statesmanship. 

          America is in the midst of many crises, the most profound of which is the lack of leadership qualities in our so-called statesmen.  America needs, and is demanding, responsible leadership based on adherence to the founding principles.  This current “game” of intra-national brinksmanship is not a winnable scenario for those on the side of central-planning and control.  Their opponent has something on their side the Left does not; the U.S. Constitution.  If true leadership fails to step forward with a sincere and honest recognition of the beliefs and principles surrounding the demands of the anti-central planning system establishment, this “game” of brinksmanship may have consequences neither side wants.  In the minds of the only side in possession of the sentiment, the will, the determination, the American character, and United States Constitution, the benefits far outweigh the risks.  It is time for leaders to lead and stop pushing our great nation to the brink of disaster.