It is not uncommon to hear the dramatic theatrics of American politics immature or even, at times, embarrassing. However, it is fairly uncommon to regard our nation’s current bipartisan system disgraceful, or even downright contradictory to the beliefs of some of our most influential founding fathers. Unfortunately, the latter claim is disappointingly true, at least in the eyes of the one and only President George Washington.

In his farewell address, delivered by him on the occasion of his leaving office in 1796, Washington made his opinions on politics parties, or factions as they were once known, very clear. He practically predicted the war that would some day rage between politicians of conflicting parties, warning that those who support parties aim “to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party” and thereby changing his beloved nation into one that is for the popular party, not for the people.

Fast forward about 200 years, and it seems we are living in Washington's political nightmare. Politicians and television networks alike pledge their allegiance to a party, not the people, and presidential candidates sling verbal attacks at the opposite party counterparts, seemingly, every day. That may be all well and good for those whose opinions somehow perfectly coincide within the boundaries of one party or another, but where does that leave the rest of us Americans who just want what we think is best for our country and not our party?

Granted, parties are useful tools to enlighten citizens on differing perspectives, but are people becoming too invested in their identities as a party member and not a citizen of the United States? Case in point, President Obama's recent State of the Union address was rife with signals of the deep separation and animosity between democratic and republican politicians. Out front, he tries to make light of this tension, jesting lightly saying of Obama Care: "Now, I’m guessing we won’t agree on health care anytime soon."

However, the problem runs far deeper than just lighthearted jokes made on national television, directed to the television sets of viewers like us. This is clearly seen through the distinct groups of senators and representatives who did stand and applaud President Obama during his speech, and those who certainly did not. While subtle, this observation is a clear symbolic representation of a deep schism among our government.

So where do we go from here? This question is certainly a complex one to answer and one that I cannot begin to tackle, but I do believe that it's one that certainly at least has to be present on my peer's minds going into this most influential election year ahead of us. So, I implore my peers to remember this: parties do not determine to whom and when you cast your votes, your beliefs, morals, ethics do. When considering the upcoming election, keep the incredible power you wield with your vote and consider thing words of President George Washington: "The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations." In other words, going forward, it would benefit our country incredibly if citizens became, even more that Republican or Democrat, simply Americans.