I Hate Political Parties | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

I Hate Political Parties

The two party system in the U.S. is very inefficient; it is time for a change.

79
I Hate Political Parties
wallpapercave

“However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”

-George Washington-

The first president certainly was not a perfect person, but he knew enough about people to discern a future where political parties would drive people apart. I have to say, after witnessing the presidential debates and listening to people fight over who should win and what party they support, I really just can not wait for this election to be over because of the candidates I have to choose from and how people are reacting and treating each other.

I am not saying I will not vote this election season. I think choosing not to vote is disrespectful to the people I know worked hard to give me the right to vote and inexcusable, as I care deeply about the country I live in and the people I share it with as a whole and I cannot complain about the country I live in if I choose to ignore my responsibility as a citizen. What I am saying is that I am finding it hard to choose a political party and get behind either candidate. I want more options!

"Our negligence and our division are distress and death."

-John Dickinson-

Political parties are self interested. They bring disunity in our country, especially since there are only 2 main parties. We fight over why you need to vote for Trump because he is the only republican candidate, or why one should vote for Hillary because she embodies the democratic party, but do we take a step back to think about people in the country other than ourselves?

One reason someone would vote for Trump would be to protect the borders, but would they think about how that would affect someone from Mexico trying to escape a small town where drugs have overtaken them and they want to go to the U.S. for a better future? This Mexican would be trapped by a huge wall, separating them from making progress. Do we know if they're a bad person? Do we know if they are coming in legally? Do we have the right to judge if they are going to harm our chances at getting a job or living in a safer neighborhood? Almost everyone in America has a history of a family of immigration. The United States was built on immigration. Where would I be if my ancestors could not come to the new world because only people from England could come to the colonies?

One might vote for Hillary because she supports gay marriage, women's rights, and increasing the economy, and debt free college. Focusing in on debt free college sounds fantastic! As a poor college student, it is a very appealing prospect. Unfortunately things that are 'free' usually come at a cost. If I am paying thousands of dollars for an education, that makes it worth something. If I didn't have to work for anything in my life, it would not have value or be as appreciated. College is a privilege, and it is not necessary for every person. Some people decide not to go to college, and that is absolutely fine! If everyone starts to go to college, a Bachelors degree will become worth even less, and job prospects will decrease further. People might get out of college debt free, but they might be paying it back in a different way and we do not know how that will affect the society as a whole.

We are all human; we have opinions, desires, hopes, and dreams. We should not abandon our identities, but we need to lay aside our differences for unity.

"Let us, with a truly wise generosity and charity, banish and discourage all illiberal distinctions, which may arise from differences in situation, forms of government, or modes of religion."

-John Dickinson-

We should not be fixing our attention on our own political views, we should be focusing on all of the citizens of the United States and what would be better for our country as a whole. I don't care what your race, gender, or political views are. If we disagree on something, that is okay. I am not going to unfriend you from Facebook, or tell you your wrong. I am going to listen to what you have, gain some perspective, and walk away (hopefully) a better person.

I hope that one day, we will have more than just republicans and democrats, but people who want to make this country a better place and who are genuinely without self-interest, and I am looking forward to a time when we do not have only 2 dominating parties. Please vote wisely this November; it is not just your future that depends on your choice, everyone will be impacted by your decision.


Refrenced:

Dickinson, John. 1768. "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania." In Major Problems in the Era of the American Revolution, by Richard D. and Carp, Benjamin L. Brown, 85-89. Boston: Wadsworth.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

21486
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9048
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6551
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5647
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments