The current political climate of the U.S. has many begging for change

Everywhere we look right now, there are divisions that are running deep in our society with historical roots, which can be traced back centuries.

CCU junior Justin Sisler said, “Our system is set up in such a way that it does benefit a few people. So, it’s easier to look and pinpoint ‘those guys are making us suffer,’ because that’s how the structure was built.”

Within this division, there are many parallel and simultaneous truths that exist and are ignored. The ignorance of these truths only works to further divide people and prevents legitimate legislative or social action from solving these troubles. 

“We don’t even think to ask, ‘Who are these people who have left us at each other throats debating an inappropriate multiple-choice question that can never be answered,’” said American Economist Eric Weinstein on “The Portal,” a podcast.

These truths are not limited to the current, obvious situations, but are applicable to most issues discussed in a public setting. Often this behavior is driven by the improper framing of arguments between binary choices. Our choices and interpretations lie on a broad spectrum with the optimal view of events constantly shifting. This is due to the variety of individual choices which make up a dynamic socio-political environment. Acknowledging these truths can lead to a better understanding of any complex topic. 

Poet Margaret Sitawa said, “Our failure as humans becomes illness and lethal when we cling to our differences. Of tribes, races and class. Of religion, cultures and gender. We forget who we are; blood, skin and bones, hearts, minds and souls. A sick world in need of healing.” 

There are many examples of truths that may be beneficial to simultaneously acknowledge for the purposes of productive discourse and compassionate policy making. Capitalism has produced the most prosperous and innovative society in recorded history, simultaneously it has created wealth disparities nationally and globally which must addressed in order to create a more equitable society moving forward. Every unarmed individual who dies by the actions of a law enforcement officer is a tragedy to be mourned by the nation and should provoke an introspective look at the institutions in place, that uphold the legal frameworks and the interactions between these structures and the civilian population. The policies designed by one party are designed with the intent to move its nation towards a prosperous end, simultaneously the platforms designed by another party are designed with the intent to move its nation towards a prosperous end.

In George Washington’s farewell address, he spoke on the dangers of tribalism and politicized figures when he said, “Whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within particular districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts.”

The calls for the reduction of division in America’s national political system are not new. They have been a constant fear since the emergence of our bipartisan system, yet there is little practical advice given during these pleas for unity.

This is not designed to dissuade any persons from their passions or convictions of values. The hope is to supply practical outlooks that will give one the ability to conduct effective conversations with peers and policy makers, in order to achieve what everyone desires: a prosperous and equitable society.