Divided We Fall

As I carefully consider the state of our nation, I am deeply troubled by the multitude of divisions that have emerged within our society. It is quite surprising to realize that this is the most polarized our country has been in my entire lifetime. However, what concerns me even more is the pervasive and venomous language being used by both sides. Civil discourse has disappeared and has been replaced by vitriolic and threatening rhetoric.

Regrettably, the upcoming presidential race has magnified this divide. Instead of choosing the most qualified candidate, we have become a nation that selects the “best of the worst.” We ignore our differences with one candidate and opt for another simply because we find them less unpalatable- this is an odd perspective.

To compound the situation, many individuals today perceive their government as their caretakers. They expect the government to be responsible for their welfare, while they themselves do relatively little. It is important to recall John F. Kennedy’s message from his inaugural address: “ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” Self-reliance and community involvement must once again become the foundation of our society.

We urgently need to unite as a country. While it is not necessary to concur on everything, we should have diverse and legitimate viewpoints. However, the decision of the majority should prevail, as ignoring the views of the majority can undermine democracy. Patriotism necessitates supporting our country, embracing the decisions of the lawmakers, courts, and executives, and contributing our best to society.

As a responsible citizen, you possess an extraordinary ability to play a significant role in maintaining an effective democracy. You can start by making well-informed decisions based on credible sources of information. Merely trailing the popular trend or blindly believing everything you read on social media does not suffice in this age of disinformation. Thorough research, fact-checking, and examining all perspectives are all essential components to arrive at a sound and informed conclusion. To uphold democracy, it is imperative for us to exercise our duty as citizens, which is to participate in fair and transparent elections. The value of hasty decisions made in isolation is negligible compared to the importance of making a thoughtful and calculated decision. Casting your vote is not only your constitutional right, but it is also a crucial responsibility that determines and shapes the future of our country. Let us fulfill our duty as responsible citizens by actively participating in the electoral process and make our voices heard.

As the well-known adage goes, “a house divided against itself cannot stand,” and for the first time in my living memory, I fear that this is indeed a possibility. It is now time for every American citizen to come together, make a contribution, and have a positive impact on society. If you have an opinion on this matter, please feel free to express it in the comments section below. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

• Brave hearts, stars align,
• Freedom’s song in sync with time, Flag waves,
• proud, divine.