Patriots Pen

(Authors Note: This really isn't my best writing ever, so don't judge me just based on this)

 When America was first formed, it was meant to be united. The Pledge of Allegiance even describes us as "one nation under god." But in reality, there is one thing that does indeed divide America: and that is political parties. The conservatives and liberals, the elephants and donkeys, yes each party even has a mascot of sorts. What is this, a sporting event? George Washington even said he never wanted to see America with political parties, because he believed it would divide the country. And it has, in some negative and positive ways. 

     Ever since political parties were created, a flood of different opinions brought on new ideas. Usually new ideas are a good thing, especially if they're good ideas. But do our founders agree with these ideas? Do they agree with the Democrat's belief that government is key? How do they feel about the Republican's take on weapons? One thing that I can almost say for sure, is that they are happy that the laws of freedom of speech are still in place. This allows people from both parties to express their thoughts, and in my opinion that probably makes our founders very happy to know that their rules have not been forgotten. But sometimes I do wonder if they wish that things would be expressed in a more civil manner. I think that when candidates are debating with one another, they would like us to remember that we are one nation.

    Sometimes though it is hard to remember that. It seems as if politics creep into almost everything! Friendships, relationships, and even family events can be soiled by the ongoing rivalry between the two parties. For example, last Thanksgiving my dad and uncle got into a wicked fight over politics. It was right before dinner and me and my cousin were hanging out upstairs somewhere, and from there we could hear their frustrated screams  Because of this, dinner became a very awkward affair, instead of something that should be fun and laid back. Is this really how they intended freedom of speech to express itself?

     So my final question for our founders is this: Do you agree with George Washington? Has politics divided our nation? My opinion on the matter is this: I think politics have divided our country in the most subliminal way. Political signs in yards declaring the views of that house, grotesque Halloween masks. It seems that the hatred between the two parties is indeed there, but it has been suppressed.