The Great Divide
Finding Common Ground in Divisive Times
This is one interview in a 6-part series. The interviews were anonymous, and names changed to keep anonymity.
Why do you think our country is so divided right now?
Jim: It’s so divided because there’s only two parties, it’s one way or the other. I kind of wish there were more choices. Until a group of people can decide to have a party that’s viable, whether it’s Independent or Libertarian, I fear it will be divided like this.
- Tell us a little about yourself.
Jim: Born in Virginia lived there 2 years. Moved down to South Florida and have been here ever since. I work as a proposal writer for a large company.
- Would you describe yourself as liberal, conservative or independent? Why? Have you always seen yourself this way or have you changed over time?
Jim: I’m definitely liberal now. I’ve changed over time. Back when I was younger, I was more conservative, supported Reagan and Bush. Over time I’ve become more open minded. I’m definitely more left than right now, by far. Abortion, the economy, women’s rights. LGBTQ rights. I’m more supportive of that than I was 25 years ago. I think everyone deserves to be equal and treated equally.
- What are the issues that you feel most strongly about?
Jim: Pro-choice. The Roe v. Wade reversal was a ridiculous judgment in our history going back 50 years, basically decided by a bunch of old congressional males and, of course, the Supreme Court the way it is now. It’s just a regression in our history.
Biden and the Democrats have turned around our economy in the last four years. And that’s something Kamala can build upon. I don’t want to go into a recession with Donald Trump.
- What subjects would you say might be a place for common ground? In other words, places where your views might intersect with someone who you would otherwise be voting very differently from?
Jim: I think education is a common ground for most people. As parents, we all want our children to succeed with the best schools with the best teachers. I think wanting teachers to have better pay is also a place of common ground. Children having great opportunities with their education and colleges going forward is something we all want.
Homeowners insurance is something that affects all Floridians. I think everybody agrees in Florida that there needs to be a revamping of the whole system. What we pay for home insurance is utterly ridiculous compared to other states.
- How do you feel about the January 6th insurrection?
Jim: I think it was a black eye in our country and was a defining event of the end of Trump’s first and hopefully only term. It’s something that people should remember when they go to vote.
- Do you have friends who think differently politically from you? If so, do you have conversations about what’s going on politically? Or do you avoid them?
Jim: I do have friends who are on the other side who I talk to usually by text or social media. I’ve learned to not bring up the subject of the election. There are some on the other side who almost like to goad me into expressing my opinions. It’s hard sometimes to keep my opinions to myself, especially with one particular friend. Depending on what kind of day I’m having, I might ignore him or I might respond back if I’m caffienated enough. Definitely at work, I do not bring up the subject.
- What do you think the solution is for bringing people together again?
Jim: There’s going to have to be some sort of circling back. Remembering that we are all Americans, we all need to be treated equally, despite race, sexual orientation, regardless of politics. Just because your political viewpoint is different from another, we all have to all get along.
Even during the Bush years and Clinton years, it wasn’t this divided. It’s also social media causing a rift, where everything is heard and amplified in memes and other ways.
- When we don’t agree on things, what’s the key to maintaining civility?
Jim: Changing the subject. (Laughs). With this one particular friend, I always change the subject to sports because we always get along with that. It’s easier in text messages than to do this in person though.
I think there’s more important things in life than being riled up and divisive over politics. It’s kind of sad the way the country has been really divided over the past 8 to 10 years.
Anything else?
Jim: The MAGA group has changed the Republican party and it’s kind of like a cult.