Our democracy is in peril. Our two-party political system has driven a wedge so wide between the people of our country that I don’t know if it can ever be mended. I thought we were supposed to vote for an individual, not a political party. What happened to voting with intellect and reason? What happened to doing research before voting?
In the book “The Reunited States of America,” author Mark Gerzon talks about bridging the partisan divide. It is about building bridges, and we do that by electing bridge-building candidates.
According to Gerzon, here is what to look for in a bridge-building candidate: 1. They avoid “spin,” are honest, and express their genuine, heartfelt truth. 2. They listen to voters and citizen groups, not just deep-pocket donors and lobbyists. 3. They maintain their independence of thought regardless of party membership. 4. They resist toxic partisan attacks and engage in cross-party problem solving. 5. They identify real challenges to the American Dream and propose thoughtful solutions. 6. They bring religion into their campaign (if at all) with genuine reverence. 7. They reflect the highest values of our country and make us proud to be Americans.
