The pursuit of true solidarity in America seems impossible. Cursory observations of daily media rhetoric reveal a widening gap between the "Right & Left." Perhaps this is 'as good as it gets.' While a sad commentary on our "civilized nation," it's becoming quite clear that solidarity was NEVER the objective of our democracy. This is cool, too. Our differences should never be dissolved into our melting pot of a nation, and any suggestion to do so would be un-American.
My concern arises when we become so polarized that we can no longer get things done! Yes, if one word characterized our nation, it is "Polarized;" separate, divided, disjunctive. How can we get beyond our disagreements on policy or politics? This is the question…
I believe a key challenge is with the unyielding influence of the media. For years, I've listened in disbelief to conspiracy theorists tort on the divisiveness of the media. Now, I believe. One outspoken commentator was asked if he had anything good to say about The President of the United States, and his round-about response was "NO!" To this I take extreme issue. Our president is criticized for doing too much and much of nothing simultaneously! This is simply impossible! However, to get to a point where nothing positive can be mentioned or reported on, at times by an entire network, is simply unforgivable. Typically, the response is, "What about the networks who only report on the good stuff about our president?" I would suggest that both sides should "check themselves!"
This challenge is seemingly unsolvable, due to both parties/sides feeling to be the best representatives of our nation. Much of what both sides are saying are mere mimics of what they heard someone else say. Very little truth is actually made public. To this end, we must continue to sift through the filibustering, until a still small voice is heard…Who will become the voice of reason?
