Nation has never been so divided

Since the Trump presidency in 2016, we have been fracturing from within, often existing not as one nation but 50 separate legal entities.

This is exemplified by Republican governors in Texas, South Dakota and Florida openly defying President Joe Biden’s call for vaccinations and mask wearing. Florida Gov. Ron Desantis has been mockingly scornful to the point of being disrespectful to the office of the presidency.

Now, politicians are using the livelihood and health of students and teachers as political pawns. Such is their true priority.

Bipartisanship is dead in America. Government seems to be in perpetual gridlock. Policies and programs are endlessly debated, then die in committee. Procedural antics, frivolous political rhetoric and uncivil behavior seem the norm for many senators and House members, especially those on the far right. Even within the Democratic Party, there are differences of opinion between various factions, affecting passage of the badly needed infrastructure bill, etc.

So sadly, we are now the United States of America in name only. Our citizenry is split over so many issues, be it vaccinations, mask wearing, abortion, school board policies, etc., often resorting to violent, abusive, unlawful and intimidating behavior. Our moral and political enemies are mocking us as we self-destruct into red states and blue states. So in the words of Rodney King, before the rift becomes irreparable, in the name of true patriotism and to save the soul of our country, “can’t we all just get along?”

Steven Soong, Las Vegas