Political Beliefs Among Americans

 By Savanna White

In America, politics has been dominated by the two major party system for quite some time. It has been Democrats vs Republicans since the 1850s. Usually, when people run for a political position they have a party they are affiliated with. When candidates run within a specific party people hope it will open doors for that party to win more seats within the legislature. Within each political party, there is a broad view of certain issues. 

Personally, I do not agree with the 2 party system. The system of 'broad' views that one person must choose to be a part of does not sit right with me. With each issue, I have a different view. My opinions on issues do not stay within one party's views. For example, I am pro-choice which is usually seen as a democratic or liberal view, but when it comes to gun rights I feel that as seen within the constitution it is our right as Americans to own firearms for our own protection. 

The 2 party system with the original purpose of creating loyalty and patriotism, has now turned Americans against each other. This system has divided Americans and instead of working together as a nation to become great, it has caused hate between us. 

The voting system complies well with the 2 party system. It is tough for other parties; libertarians, socialists, etc. to make their way when running for a political position. Most people feel that they need to join one party or the other in order to be heard within our political system. 

Our civil liberties give us the right to follow our own beliefs without the government intervening. These liberties also give us the right to speak out against the government. This is also known as personal freedom. When trying to force political beliefs on others takes this right away from us.

For example, allowing people to marry whomever they choose provides an equal marriage right to everyone aside from different races or sexual preferences. This does not force others to marry anyone against what they believe or want. The wanting of the conservative party to ban same-sex marriage forces others to live a lifestyle that conservatives believe is against our civil liberties. The same thing goes for abortion. Just because abortion is legal for safe abortions does not mean that everyone has to use this right, but banning abortion is saying that everyone has to conform to another's opinion. 

Many claims can be made that this is against your religion or beliefs but no one is forcing these things on you. There is supposed to be a separation between church and state which I believe conservatives have a very hard time with. I always hear opinions being backed up by religion but in our society, this can not be done. For example, Utah has much more strict drinking laws than other states because of the Mormon population within the state. 

After starting to read the book 'How to win friends and influence others' I have opened up to the truth that the most important thing in people's lives is themselves. Everyone is the protagonist in their own story. Conservatives think that their beliefs are most important and the same thing goes for those who are liberal, and any other party system. It is in our nature to think like this. It is not up to one party to make the calls for everyone in the world. The world is not black and white, right from wrong it is much more complex than this. It is up to each individual to decide this for themselves. We as a society often let egos get in the way thinking that we know what is best for everyone which causes us to think it is okay to force political agendas on others. 

To try to force beliefs on somebody is not the way to go about things. Just because you have a specific belief or opinion does not mean that someone else needs to have the same one as you. Opinions are something you cannot control about another person. Everyone should be allowed to exercise their beliefs as long as it does not affect others. 

Sources

Readerui, https://prod.reader-ui.prod.mheducation.com/epub/sn_284dd/data-uuid-daf715c3970744afab7b0e8b0af7e19d.

Readerui, https://prod.reader-ui.prod.mheducation.com/epub/sn_284dd/data-uuid-fc0ffad24ca54aa8a4c132c83f854abd.