Divided Parties

As I drove from Cedar City on Sunday night, listening to a podcast and enjoying some "thought time" to myself, I spoke out loud to God about why there needed to be a two-party system. "The only thing that comes out of it are your children being divided among themselves." I haven't identified with a party since I moved out of my house and realized that my parents weren't always right in their views. Actually, in order to become "better informed" and because I tire of the top 40 stations on the radio, I started listening to NPR. When I told my dad that I started listening to this station, he said "You listen to that Socialist crap?!" Yep. Staunch Republican. I do not fault him for it though.

I consider myself an idealist. What does that mean? It means that I believe that the two-party system is broken, but there isn't anything better available for the moment so I try my best to be a good citizen by attending caucus meetings, voting in local elections, and studying the issues so that I can vote come November for that candidate that I perceive to be "better." Some may say that I am naive in this approach and frankly, I don't care. They all have their opinions as well and I am not about to say that something is wrong with how they view issues.

Now, back to my experience while traveling Sunday night. I stopped in a little town called Meadow at one of the two gas stations that I hear are owned by the same person. As I was lightening my load, I had a thought come to my mind. Call it coincidence or what you may, but I call it inspiration. There is a scripture in The Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi 2:11:

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad...."

My interpretation? There needs to be two opposing sides in this lifetime. If not so, we wouldn't appreciate those good things. In this instance, the "good thing" is peace between differing opinions, or peace in general. With people using social media as a way to share their opinions and thoughts, others unabashedly will respond with ugly, nasty statements. Unfortunately they view these ways to post EVERYTHING and not good information.

These thoughts brought me peace concerning the two-party system. Although I don't agree with it, it is necessary for the time being. As for the candidates running for President, I hope to vote for one that will do the greatest good for everyone.

--Ryan