Biden Townhall CNN (July 21st, 2021)

Keeping up with the political news. While I lean Republican I have no issues with Democrats and think sometimes they come up with some great ideas. We are polarized in this country and there is little to no reason we can't pull both sides toward the center. To me, the ability to solve problems is the most important functions of being in politics (I'm no expert so make your own judgements.)

One thing I agree with President Biden is that democracies must compete again and are challenged by other forms of government. While some might believe that we can't overcome challenges (due to our polarization) I believe we will adapt. Democracy is here to stay because as people gain access to information and education they want to be involved. 

Democracies are about empowering people to act in their and their communities best interests. We want people to go out and chase their dreams (life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness) and do so in a prosocial level that helps their country (Its actually good for the country.). We have obligations to each other and that should transcend our specific political issues.

Parties are great and they should provide others with general guidance but we should never have parties that dictate straight line choices. Instead, we should have parties that recognize general alignment but provide wiggle room on voting. Politicians owe their loyalties #1 to the American people, #2 their moral conscious and lastly #3 their party. 

Basically being in government means you should be focused on the nation and secondarily to what they believe what is right/wrong. After that, one could line in with their favorite party. While this is likely to be the case we shouldn't' force people to vote specifically one way or another. 

One thing I'm going to say I agree that we don't want police to be viewed negatively and we need them to be on the street getting to know people. We also want policing to be a positive job that attracts some of the best our country has to offer. College students and social workers should be part of the process. 

I agree with the concept of disrupting disrupting drug networks, help addicts, and crack down hard on those who make the drugs. Mental health and addiction are related and we can't solve one without solving the other. Science should lead our choices and that wouldn't sit well with all people from both parties.