Political factions are destroying our systems

James Madison would be rolling in his grave at the current mess of our political systems. With identity politics becoming more prevalent, the polarization of the parties has done nothing but grow a gap that will be very difficult to close. Compromise is a fever dream; I find myself wondering if it would even be possible in today's political world.

The parties are pitted against one another; they are defined by factions that do little but divide the parties morally. Factions no longer influence our political systems, they define them. And this is exactly why Madison would be extremely disappointed.

In Federalist 10, Madison wrote, "Among the numerous advantages promised by a well-constructed Union, none deserves to be more accurately developed than its tendency to break and control the violence of faction." He, even in 1787, could accurately see and assess the importance of the factions not leading the legislative processes within our government. When they hold too much power, the legislation can easily be adverse to the interest of the country and her citizens.

Some people may argue that the jobs of factions within government are important to ensure equality, and this, I can agree to. Although, I find it concerning that our framers had enough concern over the power of factions to develop a government that limits them and now, these very factions control the government. The roles faced a total reversal.

I think our political parties need to place more focus on defending and developing rights, rather than dividing the American citizens based on their demographics. That is a concerning trend that needs to stop before "We the people" becomes an outdated phrase.

Carolynne Burk

Mundelein