Family Differences
by Marit Heidbreder
As we near the end of the 69th Legislative Session, many bills have been successful in both the House and Senate. But what happens after a bill passes both chambers? If amendments were made in the bill’s second chamber, the original chamber has the opportunity to either “concur” or “not concur” with those changes. Sometimes a conference committee needs to be formed with 3 members of each chamber who then hash out the details of the bill and amendments to create a unified version of the bill that both chambers can hopefully accept. I respect and admire how our legislators work toward compromise and goals that benefit all North Dakotans, despite having to deal with some controversial topics.
I sometimes think that the legislative process bears a lot of similarities to how parents endeavor to blend their differing backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas to ultimately benefit their children and families. I grew up in a loving home with parents who had different political views, and sometimes common ground felt elusive. My parents’ clashing viewpoints created ample opportunity for negotiation and compromise within our family. My siblings and I often got swept into long-winded debates during family dinners, which could get quite spirited as opposing sides presented their arguments while passing the breadbasket. My father was a staunch “old school” democrat who followed politics closely and could often be found behind the latest newspaper, working in the garage while listening to political radio, or with his nose buried in the newest political best-seller. His firm opinions came easily and were well supported by his own research and experiences. My mother, on the other hand, was more independent in her thinking and would carefully evaluate each candidate on their own accord and not necessarily that of their party. How did she vote? She’d rarely tell us, but we knew she leaned more to the right than the left. She felt the best thing she could do was teach us to seek God in those important decisions and encourage us to make them for ourselves based on His guidance.
Holidays especially could lead to an abundance of political fireworks as visiting relatives’ politics entered the mix, but my parents were careful to demonstrate respect and love for each other and others despite any political discord. There were often passionate discussions, but they were closely followed by games and boisterous laughter. Even living amongst disputing ideas, I experienced peace. Ronald Reagan famously stated at Eureka College’s 1982 Commencement Address, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with conflict by peaceful means.” I always understood my parents were ultimately on the same team, working towards the same goals for our family.
I’d like to believe that the same is true of North Dakota’s government leaders. I have been encouraged this session by the sincere and diligent efforts of those called to serve as Representatives and Senators for our great state. From my observation, it is not an easy task that they have courageously undertaken, whether Republican or Democrat. I’m thankful for their efforts and appreciate the respect shown both on the floor and in committee when there are conflicts and compromise is necessary to move forward. One could equate our legislature to a big “family” with a diverse group of opinions and backgrounds who are each valued and loved by their Creator. May God bless their combined efforts for the good of North Dakota as they finish up this session!