Dr. Joseph C. Zingaro of Dover is a psychologist with 30 years’ clinical experience.
Mental health care providers often help their clients who have “all-or-none” thinking because such thinking in extremes usually leads to false conclusions, and false conclusions may lead to poor outcomes or behaviors. All-or-none thinking suggests that extremes can be closer to the truth than thoughts that take into account multiple sides of a position. All-or-none thinking does not look at all the facts to get the big picture. All-or-none thinkers often use a more narrow focus on facts that supports their beliefs and omit facts that do not.
Some politicians may use thinking in extremes to make a point or to win the opinion of constituents. I suspect that most voters have little time to look up specific references that politicians use, so the voters accept, on faith, that they are being told the truth. As an example, Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., the speaker of the House, recently (Oct. 2) had a press conference and referenced the “Big Beautiful Bill,” saying, “The Democrats’ counterproposal (continuing resolution) — the dirty CR we call it, as opposed to the clean CR — would result in nearly $200 billion being spent on illegal aliens and other noncitizens,” e.g., that, among other things, illegal immigrants would be able to access Medicaid or Medicare benefits. Democratic leaders say this is untrue and that illegal immigrants are not eligible to receive services paid for with federal dollars, except for treatment in hospital emergency rooms. Both sides may be pointing to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 but focusing on facts that support their beliefs and omitting facts that do not.
The primary provisions of that act are the establishment of “qualified alien” status: 1.) Unauthorized, or illegal, immigrants are not considered qualified aliens and are, therefore, ineligible for most federal benefits; 2.) Nonqualified aliens are barred from federal benefits; 3.) PRWORA broadly defines “federal public benefit” to include assistance for housing, welfare, retirement, disability, health and education; and 4.) The act gives states the authority to limit or prohibit the eligibility of noncitizens for state-funded public benefit.
Illegal immigrants can still receive some limited, specific services that are exempt from the federal restrictions:
It seems to me that some Republicans and some Democrats may be using their interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act to support their extreme (all-or-none thinking) views and may want you to believe that the other side is purposely lying to you. What’s a voter to do to avoid the illogical trap of all-or-none thinking, which may lead him or her to believe in untruths supported by politicians who may have agendas other than being honest with their constituents? I believe that getting information from several sources can help broaden our understanding of the issues. Just like getting a second opinion from a medical provider who is discussing serious health issues and treatment programs for you is a good idea, I suggest that you listen to at least two sources of news — one that leans to the left and one that leans to the right. You may also find it helpful to read news sources that report to be unbiased in their investigative reporting, such as Snopes. Google “best unbiased news sources” to get a screenshot of what is available.
Educated voters are the best antidote for maintaining our democratic principles and ensuring that our children and grandchildren have the same benefits of living in a democratic society that we have enjoyed.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
