by Andy Lee
I Was Thinking About… The Politics of Division
America was never perfect, but at some point, we lost even the ability to pretend we were united.
There was a time when political differences were just that—differences. Neighbors could vote for opposing candidates and still share a backyard barbecue. Today, those same differences are treated as moral failings, and the idea of compromise is seen as betrayal.
We don’t just disagree—we dehumanize. We don’t debate—we destroy. Our nation has become a battlefield where winning matters more than fixing what’s broken.
So how did we get here?
The Slow March to Division
1. The Death of the Political Center
The moderate voices—the ones willing to compromise—are being drowned out. Politics is no longer about solving problems; it’s about staying loyal to your side at all costs.
2. The Rise of Partisan Media
We don’t seek facts—we seek confirmation. Our media doesn’t inform us; it reinforces our biases, making enemies out of those who think differently.
3. Social Media: The Great Divider
Algorithms reward outrage. Debate has been replaced by personal attacks. The louder and angrier you are, the more attention you get.
4. Politicians Who Profit from Division
Let’s be honest—many politicians don’t want unity. They need us divided because as long as we’re fighting each other, we’re not holding them accountable.
5. Fear as a Political Strategy
Every election is framed as a fight for survival. We aren’t just told the other side is wrong; we’re told they are dangerous. Fear keeps us engaged—and keeps us divided.
Can We Undo the Damage?
The truth is, division isn’t just tearing us apart—it’s keeping us from fixing anything. We spend more time fighting than solving.
Can we change course? Yes. But it won’t happen in Washington or on cable news. It starts with us. It starts when we talk to each other instead of yell past each other. It starts when we value unity over tribalism.
If we don’t, history tells us what happens next. And it’s not a future we want.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
— Abraham Lincoln
I was thinking about... 