Politics of us vs. them

By LOGAN RAPP
Special to The Collegian

Having voted for the first time, watching that ballot be sucked into the vote-counting machine, it seems odd that the primary feeling is that of helplessness.

The idea that there is no way to change my mind now seems to actually take power away. The vote has been made, it is permanent and on record now, albeit anonymously. But I digress.

The campaigns this season have been nothing short of horrifically dirty, the blame of which falls not on a particular “side,” but on the system of elections itself. Many are, for the most part, probably unaware of the Electoral College’s construction. The college was created without the knowledge that eventually there would be a two-party system, and thus it is not outdated, simply misused.

It is not in the Electoral College that I find problems and reason to reform, but the us vs. them mentality that all politicians on all sides of the spectrum maintain. There are two Americas, certainly, but in a different way—left-leaning and right-leaning.

There are also those who wish to compromise believing in certain things on both sides, yet are forced to choose a side.

Those who stand in the middle of the road get run over.

It is due to this thinking that America is so divided. Trusting a political party is the equivalent of trusting a used car salesman, and the idea that either of the two major parties is truly interested in the welfare of its constituents will prompt a laugh right in the face of those who attempt to spout off such propaganda.

The truth of the matter is simple: The two parties in the two-party system are only in it for themselves, and no matter what, the other side of the argument is flat out one hundred percent wrong.

There are exceptions to the rule, as always, but to call politicians who actually are willing to compromise the exception is saddening to say the least.

Because negative advertising is proven to “work,” the general idea is that it is permissible to use such methods during an election campaign.

What we are watching now is no longer a contest of ideas, but a contest of ideologies. What is before us today is the result of ideologues battling it out and spewing forth the most vicious of vitriol toward the opposing side.

The Muslim fundamentalist hating the Orthodox Jew.

The Crip hating the Blood.

These are all using the same sort of venom, with the only difference being the weapons used to fight.

Many “third party” candidates are ignored due to the smaller numbers in their checking accounts.

How far must the mud-slinging go before the American voting public gets tired of it?

Or will we simply accept politics as usual and further the business of voting for the lesser of two evils?