I started debating politics back in 2001 after the September 11 attacks. Back then there was a lot of anger, confusion, and trepidation over the future of the United States. But no matter what was said there was still a sentiment that everyone that was engaging in discourse had the best interests of the United States.
Flash forward 18 years later and it seems that America is now permanently divided, and differences seem irreconcilable.
We are now all living in an environment of bitter partisanship that is exasperated by a disconnect in basic ideals and beliefs that goes far beyond culture wars, media outlets, or messaging from members of the various political parties. There is now a sense that people no longer see those who disagree with them as fellow citizens of the same country. There is a belief that common values are no longer shared. And there is sentiment in certain circles towards further disengagement and fostering anger until a civil war is propagated.
I can’t really point to any specific reason as to why. Granted, many could argue that it began with the birth of talk radio, or cable television outlets that peddled alternative facts while promoting the culture war as their bread and butter towards garnering advertising dollars. But no matter how we got here, I can’t help but get the feeling that as Americans we are headed for a divorce.
Consider the following issues: One side believes in a separation of church and state while another wants Bible study in public schools while banning other religions from their communities. One side (at least for now) is championing the separation of powers in the Constitution while another has argued as far back as Richard Nixon in the idea of the President as a monarch with absolute authority. One side supports reproductive rights and a woman’s right to choose while another believes that women should not have these rights at all. And one side supports social and economic reforms while another does not believe in supporting the disenfranchised. And of course, one side champions rule by and for the people while another promotes rule by the wealthy and a trickle down economic system that is reminiscent of an era where child labor and sweatshop conditions in the United States were all too common.
It is also prevalent in foreign policy as well. One side supports traditional alliances and engaging the world while another promotes isolationist policies and unilateral military actions overseas. One side supports foreign aid and championing democratic values while another eschews these values in exchange for autocratic favoritism. One side supports climate change and migrating towards cleaner environmental practices while another believes that nothing should affect economic growth.
And to point out the obvious: One side soft sells a white nationalist fascist state while another is promoting diversity and democratic socialism. And these two different Americas are throwing increasing bigger bombs at each other while the opposition is seeking to ensure that a white patriarchy remains in power for at least another two decades through the judicial system and the judges that have been appointed by a Senate that no longer wishes to pass bills.
I am by no means a learned scholar. I am not a political operative. I don’t write profound statements. I am simply an average American who is watching a deteriorating situation with the realization that if we continue on our current course, the United States will cease to exist as a nation with secession as an inevitable response to playing hardball politics with states, their representatives, and the people who live there. We cannot as a nation condone leaders who do not care nor are mindful for anyone other than those who have personally voted for them. Of course, many believe that if Donald Trump is defeated or removed that things will return to normal. I do not believe this to be the case as I view him as a catalyst for a specific ethnic group that is facing a minority status in its future and has decided that it wants to fight back..even through violent means as was evidenced in El Paso, Oklahoma City, Parkland, or the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.
The United States is at a crossroads. Is it the end? No one can say for certain but I think it is safe to assume that this is the end as we know it.
And that we no longer seem to be able as Americans to tolerate civil discourse, or facts if it gets in the way of party messaging and propaganda.
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Is it time to pull the plug on the United States of America?
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