Al Sharpton and Newt Gringrich provide an educational opportunity (video)

Lately, we have had very few opportunities to celebrate the benefits of bipartisanship. Today is a rare exception. Democrat Al Sharpton and republican, Newt Gingrich sat down with Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan on NBC’s “Meet the Press” to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time, the education of our children. These two political leaders are polar opposites when it comes to the vast majority of issues we face as a nation; which makes their joint effort all the more noteworthy.

The acrimonious partisan battles fought over health care, Afghanistan and the economy have all but buried any hope of genuine bipartisanship on Capitol Hill. So it’s no surprise that two leaders residing elsewhere have taken up the cause. Not just the cause of education, the cause of bipartisanship -  building an unlikely alliance to achieve a greater good. Education is far from a universally unifying cause. The polarizing issues of sex education, religious content and school vouchers are but a few of the obstacles that have stymied formation of the political consensus necessary to achieve real reform.

I’m not sure what motivated these two men from vastly different backgrounds and ideologies to put aside their differences, join forces and work together. Could it be they were more focused on what works rather than who supports it? Did they suddenly realize that neither party has had a monopoly on bad choices or good ideas? Whatever their inspiration, the result is that now real change has a chance. Two very prominent and diverse voices are singing the same tune - education is vital to our future prosperity and security and transcends partisanship. In effect, they’ve taken time out from fighting over who gets to drive the car to perform some much-needed work on the engine.

In times of stress, fighting is always the easiest option. It provides temporary relief from the frustration and fear we all experience while struggling towards a better future. Intransigent ideologues are condemned to keep trying the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result - the hallmark of insanity. As naïve as it may sound, I still believe far more is accomplished by sitting down over a single cup of tea seeking agreement than dumping tons of it into the ocean seeking retribution.

I believe in positive reinforcement. When political leaders put aside their differences and seek common ground for the common good, we ought to recognize and praise their efforts. I thank Newt Gingrich and Al Sharpton for their efforts on behalf of America’s young people.