“Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue.”

– Barry Goldwater, 1964

Extremism to the left would mean protesting against Trump and his rhetoric, even through civil disobedience. Some would argue if streets weren’t blocked, windows broken, and flags burned, then the protest wouldn’t get the attention and change they hope for.

Extremism to the right would be looking past Trump’s questionable language and past and focusing on the issues. Some would argue it is worth looking past the individual, seeing him as a non-politician and someone who challenges political correctness — someone who is needed in order to make the change they hope for happen.

In short, most supported one candidate over the other because they didn't like the opposing one. So the reason for this divide is because of the candidates of this year’s election, Trump vs. Hillary, right?

Whether one voted for Hillary or Trump, or neither, most did not solemnly agree with their choice. However, most can agree that this country is more divided than ever before. If one lobbies for gun control, then they’re definitely against the second amendment. If one aims to build a wall, then they are against immigration. If one doesn't stand up for the pledge, then they don’t respect veterans. If one doesn’t believe in safe spaces, then they don’t care about minorities. These are all common assumptions currently made depending on party affiliation. The problem is that positions on issues aren’t chosen because that's what is believed, but rather because it's what a certain party believes in. Why does full allegiance need to be given to a party, even if one doesn't agree with every stance? But God forbid an individual doesn't coincide with everything within their party or party’s candidate because then they are deemed unAmerican.

Party polarization today is at its peak, with its largest gap between Democrats and Republicans.

There was much more of a middle ground in 1994 compared to 2014, as shown in the graphs above from Pew, but it has gradually continued to dismantle throughout the years. It is no longer the moderates vs. the extremists, rather the extremists vs. the other extremists within both parties. Voters are not the only ones divided, however, as even politicians within their own party were not able to back up their party's presidential candidate — it's not just some voter phenomenon.

Are Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter really the reason we are divided? Are we really just divided because some of us would rather not say anything about radical Islam? I am not against the party system, but changes need to be made in order for governance to not remain stagnant. However, I do believe the parties rather than the candidates themselves are dividing our nation. Instead of giving a character to an individual, it is being given it to a party and its supporters.

I will always advocate for voting, whether it's for the Democrat, the Republican, or even third party. Nonetheless, I suggest voters stop looking to party policies to dictate what they should believe in or support. So many are overlooking the issues in their party's beliefs just because that's the party they choose to vote for. Does that really stand with American principles? We're just going to tolerate things because it's the party on our voter’s registration? Instead of working for a party, have the party work for you. Of course we can't all come to an agreement on everything, but using parties to separate ourselves is a big mistake. Next time you hear someone say they’re liberal or conservative, don't just make the assumption that they agree with every policy or every other supporter of the party. I'm not saying to dismantle political parties, but rather to accept that the political sphere is changing and that we are at a turning point in modern day American politics. Distrust among people is on time rise, alongside decreasing voter turnout yet an increasing political split.

Now one might ask why was this titled “When Two Rights Make a Wrong?” The question at hand is no longer about what side does one think is right, as one already innately does this in any supposed dichotomy, but rather, how can two groups who think they’re right, come to a compromise and mend the rift? Instead of political parties just separating us in ideology, it’s pushing us farther away from the poll booths and our union as a country. I may not have a true solution, but a start is keeping an open mind rather than sustaining ignorance towards this divide.