We all want to be right.
We all want and need to be part of a group.
We believe that those who share our opinions are also always right.
These three concepts form the basis of partisan politics.
Republicans agree with and defend other Republicans and Democrats do the same for other Democrats.
My team vs. their team.
Conservatives vs. liberals.
We’re right. They’re wrong.
It’s how it works. At least for some people.
As a social studies teacher, I’ve always been interested in politics.
I have loved reading, watching and talking about politics since about seventh grade.
And after voting for over 20 years now, I guess I’ve pretty well established which side I’m on.
Sure, I’ve voted for members of both parties, but my general philosophy about the role of government has led me to pretty consistently vote for one party.
I’ve identified my team.
At least I thought I had.
In fact, I’ve never been all that good at the “we’re right, they’re wrong” thing.
While I firmly believe in my political beliefs, I often also see some value in the beliefs of the other party.
Honestly, that’s increased a lot lately.
Like so much of life, I think the pandemic and other current events are having an impact on my politics.
Based on my Facebook newsfeed, the stressful events of 2020 have made some people even more partisan and increased their habit of attacking or insulting the other party.
And I think that’s unfortunate.
I've actually found myself questioning the actions of elected leaders on both sides of the aisle.
Some leaders seem to be ignoring or diminishing the pandemic threat while others at times appear to be overreacting.
And through it all, our politicians are still trying to blame the other side.
It’s our health vs. the economy. Metro area vs. outstate. Scientists vs. doubters. Police vs. protesters.
Us vs. them.
Divide, divide, divide.
And it’s so frustrating.
Why can’t politicians follow the advice of our own government health experts?
Why do leaders insist on using a one-size-fits-all approach for health regulations and police reform?
Why can’t elected officials listen to those with other opinions and find compromise?
Of course we know why.
They want to be right. They want to defend their group. And they want to win re-election.
Luckily, those of us not running for office don’t have to fall into those traps.
I, for one, am finding myself more critical of the people I’ve voted for lately and more open to some ideas of the other party.
At first that made me kind of uncomfortable.
Now, I feel kind of good about it.
I’m wise enough to know I’m not always right. And neither are the people I vote for.
And that’s OK.
If only I could get some politicians and those people on Facebook to agree with me.