I have a love/hate relationship with politics. I love that I live in a country where I have the freedom and ability to make my own political decisions and cast my vote accordingly. I hate that it is so divisive. 2012 is a big year. It's a leap year, the summer Olympics will be held later this month in London, and it is an election year for those of us in this country.
The political ads have already started. Misinformation, mudslinging, downright lies...these will invade our print, our computers, our televisions, until November. It's so frustrating to sort through all the information to find the truth, and then to decide who to vote for. And perhaps more frustrating is dealing with the incredible amount of negativity from both parties. Nobody is willing to accept blame. Nobody is willing to compromise. Nobody is willing to step out of party lines. I am just as guilty as anyone I suppose. I see a "Romney" bumper sticker and I cringe. I get angry because I make all kinds of assumptions about anybody voting for Romney despite the fact that I know many good and wonderful people who will, in fact, be voting for him.
And the beauty of this is, and what I have to remember is, we are all Americans. We are all responsible for this country, and we are all held in obligation to it. It doesn't matter if you're a Republican, a Democrat, a Libertarian, Independent, or I-Don't-Give-A-Crap, this is still your country. This is your home. I don't care what ethnicity you are, what gender you are, what gender you want to be, who you spend your nights with, or what God(dess) you worship.
As Americans it is up to us to steer this ship. We do that by casting our ballots, by talking to our friends, family, neighbors, people in the check-out line. Listening to one another, listening to different view points. Arguing, debating, disagreeing, agreeing, compromising. We must find common ground, a place to work from. As it stands we keep getting farther and farther apart and it is harder to truly hear one another. To really be open to another viewpoint. It's too heated, too emotional. If we cannot remember that we are all in this together then we are doomed to fail. A house divided cannot stand and I think at no time since the Civil War has this been more true. We are a house divided. We are a people divided. Where is our common ground? Where is our common purpose? How do we shape our future? We must find the answers to these questions, and find a way to overcome our differences.
We will not find that in lies, in fear, in half-truths. Demand honesty. Demand integrity. Demand responsibility. Demand humility. You have the power to change the course of history. You have the power, all of it. It is your voice that counts. Do not for a second believe that your vote does not matter, that you must remain silent in the face of overwhelming corruption, deceit, fear-mongering. No party is guiltless. No candidate is above reproach. Demand better. Speak up. Let your voice be heard. Write letters, march, have an honest conversation. Vote. Above all, vote.
This country is capable of great things. We went to the moon. We created a free democracy in a time when people were ruled by kings and tyrants. We carved out a home where all people are welcome, of all faiths, of all ethnic backgrounds, of all cultures. United under one flag, one name. We are all Americans. We can move mountains. But we must reach out to one another in respect and love. Differences of opinion are nothing in the face of the American spirit and fire and passion. Do not let yourselves be distracted, do not be dissuaded, do not settle for easy answers and slick evasions. Ask the tough questions, demand the real answers. Be strong. Be courageous. Be American.
