The word “politics” creates a multitude of thoughts and
feelings. Some hear the word and think of their half-drunk uncle shouting
something about “Making America great again.” Others feel fascinated and
excited, but unfortunately, most feel angry and dissatisfied.
Politics begs an opinion. It a powerfully divisive topic,
and where in other subjects we might show a certain amount of polite tact
(“just nod and smile”), when the state of the country comes up in conversation,
that tact goes out the window and is replaced with the earnestness of a mother
bear protecting her cubs.
I am a senior in high school, and I myself love politics.
You may think that the phrase “loves politics” is ironic as politics bears
little love, but I am totally fascinated with Washington. Tragically, I am the
exception to the rule. A recent poll by the Washington Post found that a mere
19.9% of voters aged 18-29 cast ballots last election. This is ridiculous and
must change. Young people have a plethora of ideas and proposals and this
untapped potential stagnates the political process.
So why do we stay away? Well as one of these young ‘uns, the
most unappealing aspect of politics is the sheer divisiveness which permeates
the system. One must either be conservative, or he/she must be liberal. Not a
whole lot of wiggle room exists between these two seemingly diametrically
opposed views. If I believe that gay marriage exists not because I believe that
it is right, but because I believe that the constitution protects a person’s
freedom of and from religion, then I am suddenly both alienated from
Republicans who must repeal this ruling because the government has an
obligation to uphold Judeo-Christian values, and from Democrats who largely
view homosexuality as perhaps amoral and purely personal.
Why do we need another blog about politics? Countless
shows, websites, and books are devoted to the subject, so why should an 18
year-old kid write about it? I do not believe that I am an expert by any means.
However all I see as I read and watch Politico, Fox, CNN, MSNBC, and many
others is a partisan bonanza thrown to confirm the convictions of its core
audience, not to hold discussion or to promote the exchange of ideas. In short,
both sides demonize the other, and no serious consideration is given to the
moderate or undecided voter.
This has only become clearer in this election cycle. A
democratic socialist has hijacked the Democratic Party and is attempting to
create a so-called “revolution,” and Donald Trump is the favorite to win the
Republican Nomination (need I say more?).
What I hope to promote in this blog is the idea of flexible
politics. I believe that one’s political convictions should not be cemented in
the Conservative or Democratic monolith, but rather should be shaped and molded
by the issues of the day so that they are “flexible.” I will address this in my
first few posts.
Until then, consider your half-drunk uncle shouting
something or other about politics at every family gathering. We do not have to
be that uncle. Rather, we can change the country if only we vote based on
issues, not on the color of one’s tie.
