I don't think it boils down to political parties at all. It boils down to common decency, a shared idea of American foundational tenets of democracy, the Rule of Law, the Constitution, the separation of powers. The notion that we can agree to disagree. That the core structure of the Republic is sacred, the pillars of governance unflappable... that every four years we'll elect a government that may lean a little left, or a little right, but that the vision of America, and what it stands for, is set in stone. That the Constitution provides everyone their right to Free Speech, their Right of Assembly.
For instance, you can be for strong border control and immigration policy, and at the same time stand and protest against ICE stepping over the line, brutalizing local communities, attacking Americans protesting. You can be for tariffs, and a strong, America-first economic policy, without attacking, insulting, and demeaning our allies. You can exert pressure and achieve your goals within NATO, while maintaining good relations with partner countries. You can champion American ideals, without dragging down other nations.
You can demand and hold elected officials accountable from the opposing party, then double-down and do the same with the party you support.
It seems we've lost our way, amidst all the duplicity and mudslinging. Us against them. The fact anyone who is opposed to Trump is called a "communist" and "anti-American" is exhibit A of this phenomena. In the end, we are all Americans, blacks, whites, Hispanic, Asian. We're all Americans, even those with funny names, like mine, and those from 1st and 2nd generation immigrant families, who have become citizens.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That's the underlying concept of America, as expressed by our founders, who traveled here from a foreign land, seeking freedom and prosperity. I'm not willing to cede the Republic to those wishing to tear it down by scapegoating others. So many have died for this flag, for this nation, fighting for the very principles that we take for granted. The ability to speak up, criticize the government, assemble at will, yes, carry arms, and worship whatever God or religion you choose, or none at all. This is what makes America great. It doesn't need to be made great again.. it's great as it is. It is we, everyday people and citizens, that need to up our game, and stop succumbing to the myth and fantasy that everything will be solved for us, top-down, from those we elect to office.
