The Politics of Interdependence

Beyond the Political Divide

Today, November 5, 2024, is judgment day for the United States of America. These are unprecedented times. Given our dualistic two-party system, there will be winners and losers. It is designed to divide us, to pit us against each other.

One of the presidential candidates promised violence, retribution, and revenge. After election officials have counted the votes, verified the ballots, and settled the numerous legal challenges to the process, many voters will still not be satisfied. There will most likely be violence during that process. There may be violence at the polls today, a last-ditch attempt to silence voters. When January 6, 2025, arrives, and Congress meets to count and certify the electoral votes, there still may be violence.

I am an independent voter. Because the two-party system has a chokehold on U.S. politics, pollsters, pundits, the media, and political campaigns, independent voters are dismissed, maligned, or misunderstood. Many states require voters to declare a party affiliation and hold closed primaries. Independent voters know it is nearly impossible to get elected to office as an independent or even third-party candidate.

Independent voters are enigmatic. Like me, many independents feel disempowered, dismissed, and denigrated. I have been deeply triggered by the insults from Blues and Reds condemning me, blaming independent voters for their candidate’s losses. When I donate to any candidate’s campaign, the party apparatus shares my…