There is a sinister belief in American politics that the country is “deeply divided”. This is a false reality perpetuated by polarized traditional and social media outlets to improve their advertising profits. They need you to be afraid of the other side so you keep watching, scrolling, clicking and commenting.

The reality is Americans are not deeply divided, we are equally supportive. That’s why we end up with split control of Congress. That’s why one party has not controlled the Presidency for more than 3 terms since Roosevelt. That’s why so many of us are fed up with political extremism.

We equally support limited government, and the need for government spending on infrastructure, education, and social security. We equally support a future of independent clean energy and the need for affordable gas prices today. We equally support the right to own a gun and the right of government to regulate gun ownership. We equally support women’s reproductive health and the fact that each abortion is a personal tragedy. On almost every political issue, you will find the majority of Americans understand both sides of the argument.

We are also fully support the foundations of our democracy, which are rule of law, burden of proof, and free and fair elections.

Most Americans are not deeply divided. They are understanding, reasonable and responsible citizens. This is why our democracy has lasted for over two centuries, and it is why it will continue to thrive.

Some fear-mongers want you to believe that America is threatened, but this only becomes true if the vast majority of political rationalists allow it to happen. We have seen the results of political extremism. It has failed at the ballot box. It has failed at the Capitol Building on January 6th. And it will continue to fail, because we are not deeply divided.

We are united as people who love our families, who want the best for our children, who are willing to work together and who understand that disagreements do not make us enemies, but rather, make us a stronger society. We are united in the rejection of a political arms race toward the extreme right or left. We are united in wanting to find a better way.

It sure as hell makes a better story to make Republicans the enemies of Democrats. But most Republican and Democratic voters are not enemies. We are neighbors, friends, cousins, sisters and brothers. The next time someone tells you the country is divided, I would encourage you to think about if this division is the world you see in your daily life, or is it a manifestation of the screens that are trying to steal your attention.

Reject the narrative that we are deeply divided. Understand that we are instead equally supportive. And that will make all the difference.