Political parties have been a part of our nation’s history before it became the United States. Our country was young and divided then, and has stayed divided to this day. The first president, George Washington, in his farewell speech, warned the nation about creating factions among ourselves that would divide us. His warning must have gone unheard, for our nation remains divided today.
Today our country has become divided, from education to health care to the war in Iraq. Our nation is divided; the Republican and Democrat parties are constantly conflicting with each other instead of working together. They are bickering and fighting, and wasting time and money.
In the last California Special Elections, I felt the need to abandon my political label of “Democrat.” Now, I haven’t joined the Republican Party. Instead I choose the label of “Californian.” I voted in the best interest of California rather than voting in the interest of my political party.
I think that instead of focusing our energy as Democrat vs. Republican, we should focus on what’s best for America and ultimately the world. If we continue to fight each other as Democrats and Republicans, our country will be lead to chaos.
We must put aside our labels and not concentrate on winning or losing elections based on agendas and labels. We should concentrate on working together for a better world. Vote for what’s right for America instead of one person’s personal wants and believes.
By voting for a particular person based on labels instead of true American values and what’s best for America, we exclude the purpose of democracy, by not allowing the voice of all to be heard. Listen for what’s best, not for labels. Allow people to speak freely without labeling them “liberal” or “conservative,” and listen freely. Vote American.