EDITORIAL (Submitted) - Our nation is gripped every four years with a 24-hour news cycle outlining the vast differences between Democrats and Republicans. The American people are as divided as ever during these periods, or at least that’s the media narrative.  

There’s no question our nation is politically divided. The United States House of Representatives is narrowly controlled by Republicans, while the Senate is Democrat-controlled. Twenty-seven states have GOP governors and 23 have Democrats. And, as the election nears, most experts predict the race will be razor-thin.

Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris couldn’t be further apart in terms of their personalities, agenda for the country and their records. Given the barrage of personal insults from both sides, it’s probable the two candidates have a genuine dislike for each other. But that doesn’t mean Americans with differing views can’t befriend and, at a minimum, tolerate each other.

Eighty-five percent of Americans believe civility is worse today than it was ten years ago, according to a survey from the American Bar Association. The most frequently cited drivers of the declining civility were social media, media, and public officials.

After Trump’s second assassination attempt in September, RMG Research released a poll with the following question: "While it is always difficult to wish ill of another human being, would America be better off if Donald Trump had been killed last weekend?” 

Seventeen percent of respondents answered yes, while another 14% said they weren’t sure. This is a troubling position to hold regardless of political affiliation. We must be able to look past the political mudslinging from Democrats, Republicans and the media to realize that most of us want what’s best for our community, state and nation. Unfortunately, not everyone feels this way.

People are much more likely to be aggressive and rude to others because it’s done behind the security of a screen. It’s much easier to debate if you’ve got time to think up a clever response. Americans believe the mainstream media is to blame for declining civility by reporting primarily on divisive issues. Contrary to this negative narrative, many important issues can unify us.

More than 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year in the United States. Our nation has the highest rate of kids living in broken homes, while more than 13 percent of American households struggled to afford enough food to feed their families last year and three-quarters of Americans are anxious about their finances.

These are the problems that bring everything else into perspective. With two new grandbabies in my life, I often remind myself not to major in the minors. While most political matters are important, emphasizing the kitchen table issues is essential because everyone wants a safer and more prosperous life.

While some politicians and members of the media have called for less civility in politics, I believe we should be able to have meaningful, respectful conversations on the issues Americans truly care about. And the Tennesseans I know care about solving the overdose crisis. They care about strong families. They care about providing for their families with a roof over their heads and food on the table.

Serving in the General Assembly has given me a unique perspective. Our legislative body has been portrayed as divided, but in reality, there is largely a sense of mutual respect from both sides of the aisle. I have friends who are Democrat lawmakers and while we disagree on much, we know there is more to life than political opinions.

We should avoid insults and division, while at the same time encouraging honest and healthy debate. Let’s take seriously President Abraham Lincoln’s famous warning that “a house divided against itself cannot stand."

Rutherford County has a diverse population with similarly diverse views, and yet the people who live here are kind and respectful toward one another. We are members of a community who, despite ideological differences, have a common goal of improving this growing county. I’m proud of what Republicans have accomplished in the General Assembly for Rutherford and the state, and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of District 49 while encouraging a climate of civility and honesty.

As a Christian public servant, I will never back down from the beliefs I hold dear. At the same time, I can disagree with a colleague across the aisle respectfully. I will always work to bring people together rather than create division because, in the end, we agree on more than we disagree.

I’m often reminded of the quote attributed to Ronald Reagan, in which he says the “person who agrees with you 80% of the time is a friend and an ally—not a 20% traitor.”

State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, represents the 49th District of the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Rutherford County.

SOURCE: Submitted by State Rep. Mike Sparks of Smyrna, TN