Over the past several election cycles, the divisions in the country have seemed to grow wider and more contentious than ever. Though there are a few other political parties besides Democrats and Republicans, it is these two parties that have worked to do everything other than help unite the country. Along with the constant fighting that is ever-raging among the members of these two factions, social media seems to help fuel the fire.
When the country went through the debacle over the 2000 election when there was a dispute over which candidate actually won the election, the seeds of the current discord were fully sown. Ever since that election was resolved by the courts, there has been constant debate over whether the elections in this country are rigged. The election of the nation’s first African-American president could have been a turning point toward helping to help heal the divide. Unfortunately, the problems were only exacerbated. In spite of the fact that civil rights have been decided many decades ago, there are still many pockets of racial prejudices that exist and have flared up repeatedly in recent years.
However, nothing has fanned the flames of division as much as the election of former reality star and business mogul, Donald Trump. Though he garnered more than enough votes through the Electoral College, there has been an ongoing investigation that seeks to prove that Russian interference contributed to Trump’s win. Along with this effort, there are ongoing protests by a vast majority of self-described Democrats who refuse to concede that President Trump holds the Office of the President.
In many respects, what occurs in the nation’s capital has little influence in the lives of everyday residents. Sadly, though, the presence of social media has ensured that discord and lack of civility has escalated. There are so many negative posts by adherents of both parties that seek to create even more arguments. The level of civility has descended to name-calling and outright hatred when one chooses to express an opposing view.
In a nation that was founded on the ideals of personal freedom, the pursuit of happiness and a free exchange of differing views, citizens may wonder what happened that has caused such a deep divide. It is almost expected that one must always tout their party’s views and agendas with no room for negotiation. This has become even clearer with the recent announcement of President Trump’s nomination for replacing the retiring Supreme Court Justice, Anthony Kennedy. When interviewed over their intentions regarding the upcoming confirmation process, several Democratic senators stated they will not vote to approve the nominee simply because they choose to oppose anyone the president selects. This does little to unite the country and instead illustrates the problems that are so ingrained that even those who are elected to represent and protect the rights of their constituents are focused on their own agendas that seem to be more about creating problems rather than solving them.
Writer Bio: Angela Mose
I am a mom of 7 who has successfully homeschooled for 20 years. I was married for more than 25 years and have recently started my life over. I have a passion for writing and music and when the two can be combined, it is utopia. A Maryland native, I am planning to relocate north in the near future and will continue to strive to learn and experience new things on a regular basis. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home while exploring new ways to increase my knowledge and skills and help improve the lives of those around me.
