Issues too great for partisan gridlock

One-hundred-fifty years ago this month, Abraham Lincoln stood in the Illinois State Capitol and delivered his "House Divided" speech - sharing what was thought to be a "radical" message.

He stated the clear dangers to our future as a nation posed by the divide in the Union over slavery and state's rights.

"A house divided against itself cannot stand," Lincoln warned.

The message of Lincoln's speech still provides guidance and wisdom, especially in today's political climate.

While the issues have changed, the message stands strong.

Division has prevented progress on fixing our nation's broken health care system and addressing financial security.

For too long, partisan gridlock and political in-fighting in both Springfield and Washington have stood in the way.

Only by being united on addressing these priorities can we can we reach solutions that work.

AARP and its 40 million members, the Business Roundtable, National Federation of Independent Business, Service Employees International Union and the public throughout Illinois and across the nation have joined to change things.

Our "Divided We Fail" initiative is aimed at breaking through the gridlock to get things done.

We've brought together community leaders, candidates, elected officials, and voters on the topics of health care and financial security with a focus on demanding action and answers from our nation's leadership.

The issues are simply too important, the cost of inaction is too high.

Lincoln ended his speech with a simple but strong call to action: "We shall not fail. If we stand firm, we shall not fail."

Together we can end the division that for so long has been the roadblock to broad-based, bipartisan solutions to some of the biggest challenges our nation faces.

Our initiative also has a simple but strong message with roots to Lincoln's speech: "Divided we fail, but together we can do anything."

Bob Gallo

AARP Illinois

State Director

Chicago