OPINION:
America survived a devastating civil war that tore the nation apart, claiming over 600,000 lives and threatening the very existence of the country.
While slavery served as the catalyst for that terrible war, it was not the sole reason. The profound differences in Southern and Northern cultures, along with disparate political ideals, exacerbated the conflict.
Today, our nation stands at another crossroads, grappling with a divisive political landscape intentionally perpetuated to secure votes. Democrats “appeal” to the Black community by questioning their identity if they don’t vote for the party. Meanwhile, Republicans view Democrats as a threat to the country, and vice versa.
Each party uses emotional issues to put people on one side or the other. Abortion, Second Amendment rights, immigration, criminal justice and social programs are all used as ways to divide us and ensure that voters stay with one party or the other.
This increasing polarization, coupled with internal migration and growing skepticism about the legitimacy of elections, poses a genuine danger.
Citizens today lack trust in the media’s objectivity. Without an impartial and critical news media, people gravitate toward information that aligns with their beliefs, deepening the schism in our society.
The consequences are evident in the streets of our cities, where violence is tolerate, and frustration levels escalate as blame is shifted between political factions. Each party claims the other is going to end democracy or ruin the country. This inflames passions and further divides people, who no longer debate the issue but instead just blare out condemnation.
The question now looms: What is the next step? Without intervention, the current toxic ideological climate may lead us down a path reminiscent of the past, with another Fort Sumter-like event on the horizon.
It is imperative that we bridge the divides that threaten our unity. Let us collectively declare ourselves as Americans first, transcending racial or ethnic distinctions.
It is time to demand that our politicians prioritize the nation’s well-being over partisan interests and work toward healing the wounds that threaten to tear us apart.
THOMAS HENION
Stafford, Virginia
