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Essay On Political Polarization

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The United States had learned a lesson in moderacy. For the next century, the parties, though still opposed, never again resorted to the violent factionalism of the past. Compromise was prevalent and disputes were resolved. Third parties even began to receive some real popular support. Recently, however, this theme has been on the decline. The political polarization of today has changed the scene of politics from a real courthouse where civil Democrats debate respectable Republicans to a conjured battlefield where militant Communists contend with fanatical Fascists. What is missing from today’s society that has precipitated this result? Well, what do you need to do to destroy a civilized government? How can one be patient when time is of the …show more content…

There is, in this country presently, an ultimate, lingering atmosphere of tension and hostility caused by the political parties. Like static, it makes your hair stand on end and your nerves begin to jitter, afraid to touch anything or anyone in case of that sudden shock. Politics are not spoken of with acquaintances and friends in fear of driving them away with your different opinions. Different opinions are quickly slandered as tyrannical or unconstitutional. This is the prelude to the storm. The Republicans and Democrats have created an identity crisis in the United States, pitting us against them, us against the other party. How? History teacher Michael Blood says “People stick with a party because of their opinion on a singular issue. If their opinion on this issue is supported by the party, then the people will align themselves with that party. Politicians use these single-issue voters to remain in office.” These mercenary voters are victims of an attitude of petty sectionalism, an attitude that is too similar to the party divisions that were so potent in the shattering of our state in the Civil War. It has created a magnetic push away from necessary, healthy discussion. It is the fruit of

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