In 2013, there was an amazing book released: “Tip and the Gipper: When Politics Worked,” by MSNBC political commentator Chris Matthews. It is a sobering reminder of how two politicians with two completely different ideologies and views came together to solve problems for the citizens of this nation, something that simply and unfortunately does not occur anymore because of the intense polarization of politics and a two-party system that has immensely damaged the political landscape in this country.
I’ll never forget the excitement I had when I turned 18 in May of 1999. Even though I wouldn’t be able to vote in my first presidential election until November of the following year, the fact that I was now going to be voting in presidential elections was something that was vitally important to me. It also gave me the hope and belief that I was going to help in major change, even with my one vote. It wasn’t that long ago that hope still existed.
Now, my hope is gone, and I have turned into an independent voter because of my disdain and disgust for the unfortunate two-party political system in America. It is nothing but constant gridlock, sickening stalemates that result in too many government shutdowns, petty bickering, and politicians from both sides of the aisle who refuse to budge and change what is going on. They are setting a horrible example for everyone, and especially the younger generation of potential voters coming up. The precedent that has been set is deplorable and atrocious, and I cannot in good conscience tell my young nieces and nephews why they should vote when they turn eighteen. That saddens me incredibly.
With everything being said, I do hold out hope that things will change eventually. We are better than this as a nation, and the politicians who are responsible for all of this need to roll up their sleeves and put aside their differences and show everyone why they work for us. Politicians work for us, not the other way around. That is a fact that will never change, it just is unfortunately so difficult to see in this day and age.
Jeff Swanson
Everett
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
