In our society, we are stuck in constant dilemmas, but one of the most prevalent and problematic is the dilemma between political ideologies. We live our lives and separate groups of people based upon who you voted for in the last election. We disagree with each other simply because the other doesn’t align with our political party.

We lose all hope in moderation and compromise if we continue to identify people by who they support or do not support, and this has become a serious problem when we look at the relationships of people. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, if you are passionate about politics, you have probably lost a friend or the ability to make new ones because difference in politics.

We must work not simply to listen to the other side, but to understand and work with the other side as well. Our country’s most threatening problem is not economy, foreign invaders or even who the next president is going to be. The underlying problem of disunity threatens our establishment as a world power who fights for freedom, justice and hope.

The words written by Aaron Sorkin, screenwriter for The Newsroom, “We didn’t identify ourselves by who we voted for in the last election, and we didn’t scare so easy” have resonated in my mind ever since I found my passion in politics. While I may have liberal views, I do not identify by who I wanted to win in the past elections. I identify myself as an American who loves my home.

Political discourse is an informative and eye-opening activity, but the only way it stays like this is if we open our minds to the viewpoints of others. We must work to identify not with a party or an ideology but as American citizens who simply want the best for their country.

I am not blind to the problems my hopes have. I see that our society is plagued by bias and hatred on both sides of the spectrum, and that the likelihood of this plan happening is slim to none, but I will never change my mind that we must look to understand the other.

This problematic dilemma will be no easy feat, but I’ve seen our nation change in a heartbeat. When Apollo 11 touched down on the moon, we inspired an entire generation to pursue their dreams because the sky, in fact, was not the limit. When the towers fell, our eyes were opened to the injustice and suffering in the world, and we still strive for world peace. As a country, we are capable of so many wonderful things, but these wonders and hopes are only possible when we work together as citizenry, not as political parties.