My dad and Dave do not talk anymore. The two were in the military together in the 1980’s, almost 30 years ago, and still took time to catch up with one another. Through years of basic training, days at the base, and serving abroad, he has chosen to give those memories up. Friendly discourse turned into a battle of ideology, causing both of them to surrender and walk away in the midst of the 2016 presidential election. Both Dave and my father had to decide which matters more: friendship or politics. 

I knew since I was little that I wanted to work in politics. In the first grade, I aspired to be President of the United States. Sadly, my parents told me I couldn’t be the president quite yet, that Barack Obama would have that title first, then maybe when I’m older I could. It was disappointing, but those things happen when you’re six. I became very politically aware at a young age. It has always been inescapable in my household, but I like it that way. Each night at dinner we eat while discussing the events of what had happened that day on the news, and debating pressing topics. It wasn’t until recently that I have become in awe of our Congress’s downfalls, which my generation will have to answer for.

Today, our political system is in utter chaos. Political polarization has reached a fever pitch during the current administration, and has resulted in an unprecedented amount of partisan contention.The left has leaned even more left, and the right has gone even more right.  Rather than voting honestly on bills for the sake of their state and beliefs, politicians will use their vote purely to disadvantage the other party, and both Democrats and Republicans are guilty. These political strains don’t stay on the senate floor either. Politics have become such an integral part of our identities that friends and families are being torn apart due to disagreements, and social media has become a breeding ground for political extremism and cancel culture. The American people have lost one of the most valuable tools to our society: communication.

This is by no means a radical stance, it is widely acknowledged that polarization will only lead to further conflict. Yet, it is quite easier said than done, and many feel that they are justified in distancing themselves from friends and family who disagree with them. Where relationships are important to the individual, politics represent the country as a whole, leaving people to decide if they care more for their friends, or their greater good. I have experienced first hand what it is like to have Thanksgiving snowball into a battle of morals and logic. It is important to reiterate that the basis of disagreement is not between political parties themselves, but between different morals. The left tends to value justice, equality, and protection, while the right values loyalty, patriotism, and sanctity; and that is okay. Morals cannot easily be put into categories of right and wrong. Rather than senselessly debate over whether or not certain ideas should be held, use your energy to expand your horizons, and understand that these ideologies have been with them their whole lives, and may not be subject to change.

Yes, practicing what you preach is hard sometimes, trust me I know. It is also understandable to not want to reach out to racist or homophobic relatives who make you uncomfortable, or with political ideas that are just too far from your own. But imagine a world of difference it would mean to them to be taught. Not scolded, not ridiculed, but truly educated on your values, which they have likely never taken time to truly comprehend. Now imagine if you did the same. Sit down with your opposite and listen, not to respond, but to deeply process the perspective being shared with you. 

Dad, text Dave back. You both could use it.