The Enemy Within, "What color is your politician?"

How is it that we as Americans have allowed politicians of all stripes to convince us we are each other's enemies? We are so different. They have talked us into believing we have to be "a Red or Blue American." Hell, I don't even know what that means. Does anyone, really? At one point in the distance past, I'm sure at some point, there really was a difference between the two parties. But, today, they have both moved to the far corners of their parties. Well outside of main street America. I would say most Americans are somewhere in the middle of the road when it comes to overall politics. No matter which way you lean, I think most of us want a functioning government. One that balances its' checkbook, look after the elderly, provide help for the poor, provide reasonable health care, and protect the country from threats.

Our government has become so dysfunctional, our politicians can't even come together to decide how to defend against medical threats, let alone threats to our democracy. How are we supposed to survive the next hundred years if our politicians can't come together to figure out how to keep the country afloat? They are still fighting an election that happened in the past; unable to agree on a viable solution to our border crisis, blaming the media for their inability to work together, and checking the polls to see which way the political wind is blowing. I may be wrong, but I thought we elected them to lead and find solutions for the nation's toughest problems. Instead, most of them have left their spines at the cloak room. Afraid to do what is best for the country. Afraid of not getting reelected. Is that really such a bad thing? If they did their best to improve the country rather than enriching themselves, family and friends would that be such a bad thing? Maybe, Just maybe, that's what we elected them?

I would propose most politicians today do not even represent the views of most of their constituents. There was a time when many politicians were willing to buck the party to do what was right for the country. In today's politically charged atmosphere, that is a political death sentence. Everywhere you look, politicians are being accused of not being a team player or worst, a traitor because they dared to speak out against the party's position. How dare they! And most pretend this is what back home wants them to do. Yet, in most cases, the polls do not support their positions.

Our form of government is " By the people For the People." We have a representative form of government. Unfortunately, our current group of politicians have lost touch with what the American people truly want. Representatives that can solve the problems facing Americans today and coming in the future. We are not getting what we pay for. And we are paying dearly. Until we the people, start demanding real solutions from our representatives, we are not going to see any changes. If we want real solutions, we are going to have to demand our representatives sit down and talk with their counterparts across the aisle and compromise on solutions that will move our country forward. Finger pointing and sound bites are not going to solve real world problems even thought they might make great theatrics.

So, if we really want real solutions to real problems that most of American care about. The solution starts with us the voters. We have to have the courage to choose political leaders who are not afraid to buck their party when it makes sense for their district, state, and the country as a whole. We have to stop voting for someone simple because they have a red or blue sticker on their forehead or screams the loudest about how the other side does not represent your values.

Conclusion

The color labels we’ve been handed—red or blue—have become barriers that keep us from recognizing our shared goals. Most Americans don’t live at the extremes; we want a government that lives within its means, cares for the vulnerable, delivers sensible health care, and protects us from real threats. Yet our leaders remain locked in partisan posturing, unwilling to compromise or focus on solutions that benefit the majority.

Breaking this stalemate starts with us. We must stop voting along party lines and demand representatives who put country over caucus. It’s time to reward politicians who have the courage to cross the aisle, negotiate in good faith, and deliver on promises rather than sound bites. If we hold our leaders accountable—and refuse to accept anything less than real progress—then “by the people, for the people” can once again guide our democracy forward.