In this time of increasing political polarization, the “other side” is increasingly seen as having evil intent or not having enough intelligence to see that “our side” is right.  How can you compromise with someone that you view as evil?  Why would you seek solutions together with someone that you view as stupid or brainwashed?  Our government has become so divided that it is dysfunctional.  Our two political parties take turns being the obstructing minority, stoking fear about their opponents, and blocking everything they can until they are able to return to power.  We’ve been given one of the most remarkable democracies the world has ever seen, and our political dysfunction risks running it into the ground…but we can stop the vicious cycle.

Most Americans are not stupid or evil.  We’ve built the strongest economy in the world, we have an outstanding university system, and we are a leader of technical innovation.  A large percentage of Americans give their time and money to charitable organizations, and often reach out to help family, friends, and strangers in need.  We need to remember that the USA is a nation of good and intelligent people, and that we are at our best when we come together with a common purpose.  We are at our best when we are united.  We are at our best when we utilize the diverse strengths and talents that have been compiled by bringing together some of the best and brightest people from all over the world.  We face plenty of challenges and problems, and we need to be at our best to face them successfully.

Step one in reuniting is recognizing that most of us are trying to do what we think is best.  People are universally motivated by protecting themselves, their family, their friends, and their country.  We have very different views of what that looks like and how to best achieve the goal, but the same underlying motivation.  If we recognize that we have this in common, we can have respectful and intelligent conversations about finding common ground.  When we recognize that those with different political views are not evil or stupid, we can work together and find solutions that benefit us all.  

Step two is getting out of our echo chambers and seeking truth.  In this age of fragmented and partisan news sources and social media, we can develop a slanted view that is continually reinforced by biased news channels and algorithms that feed us more of what we consume.  Political figures and the media stoke outrage to motivate us to vote, watch their channel, or read their content.  We are living with completely different perceptions of reality.  Instead of trying to prove that what we believe is the truth, we need to broaden our perspectives and seek the objective truth.  Instead of arguing, using alternate facts and political talking points, we need to get back to reality.  We need to understand the real truth about our problems in order to solve them. 

Step three is transforming our polarized two party system that is driving our politics to an extreme state of dysfunction.  We need to give more voters real choices, and better choices.  The current system is driving candidates to extremes because the party primaries are dominated by a small number of more extreme voters.  Some primary formats completely exclude independent voters.  In many places, the general election is a foregone conclusion and we really have a one party system.  Political majorities often get to redraw their voting districts, picking their voters for their own benefit.  Independent or third party candidates don’t have a real chance because people are afraid of “throwing away their vote.”  By implementing independent redistricting committees, open primaries, and ranked choice voting, we can address these issues.  We can open the system up to more candidates, more voters, and make the system more fair.  If candidates truly need to compete for all of our votes, they will be more accountable and more representative of the people.

We have so many smart and talented people in this country – our leaders should reflect that, and the outcomes should be so much better.  We can take the first steps as individuals and bring this positive and collaborative approach to those with whom we interact.  Reforming the political system will take a more coordinated effort, but it starts with awareness and a desire.  I hope you will join me in this effort to make our nation better, and I’d love to hear about your ideas on how to do that!