Love your neighbor – especially this election season | COUNTERPOINT | Opinion

The formation of our constitutional, democratic republic was the liberating elixir for a species trapped in a perpetual cycle of tribalistic bloodshed, opportunistic tyranny and economic stagnation. The idea that a people could be united not by immutable characteristics but by a set of just ideals was unprecedented when the colonies declared independence in 1776.

I think our Founding Fathers would weep with joy to see what our nation has become—what a future their words have paved. Because of their actions, the world has changed, liberalized and democratized. The evils of dictatorship and poverty have fought a losing battle since these wise souls dismantled them political bands.

However, I fear that we have begun to lose our way.

I’m not suggesting that there haven’t always been evil elements in American politics. The predatory vultures that dominate airwaves and information channels have always been waiting at the door, feeding on our fear. Unfortunately, I notice that the number of these vultures is increasing, or at least their voices are increasingly drowning out those of reason and rationality.

I remember hearing how former President Barack Obama would bring about the end times and establish some kind of new world order to end the United States’ great experiment. I remember former President Donald Trump imprisoning those who spoke out against his rule. I also remember hearing that our country simply would not survive a Joe Biden presidency.

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Although none of these prophecies have been fulfilled, the fear and despair of millions of Americans have only worsened. The human reaction to feeling cornered and losing everything, coupled with a lack of trust in the institutions that form the backbone of our republic, is a dangerous combination.

For many, politics is now war. Political violence is becoming increasingly accepted across the political spectrum. Americans constantly isolate themselves from different perspectives. The urge not to simply defeat political opponents in an election, but to completely banish them from the public eye, has become commonplace.

I’ve had the opportunity to write these little monthly blurbs with Lisa LaBriola for a while now. For years, Lisa and I worked on opposite sides of the aisle at the State Capitol. The debates were heated, the social media attacks fierce and pointed, and the disagreements deep. Nevertheless, we remain friends today. I can’t imagine how boring life would be if I decided to only maintain friendships with those I agree with.

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Unlike most Americans, I will not be voting for any of the major party candidates in November. Given the plausibility of a third party or independent candidate emerging victorious on November 5th (around 0%), I’m pretty sure I’ll be disappointed with the result.

But the next day I know that the sun will rise. The amazing people who make up our nation will go to work, take their children to school, innovate, create, and push the boundaries of humanity toward incredible achievements.

Calls for peace and civility may seem a bit cliché, but I believe that the survival of our republic depends on citizens having the ability to converse with those with whom they disagree politically and philosophically they accept election results (yes, even if they are on their side). loses) and not lose hope in the promise of America.

Love your neighbor, be sure to vote, and remember that the sun will rise tomorrow.

Sage Naumann is a conservative commentator and strategist. He runs Anthem Communications and was previously the Republican speaker in the Colorado Senate. Follow him on Twitter @SageNaumann.