The United States has entered into a terrible loop of political polarization that is increasing the power of extremists in both the Democratic and Republican parties, while simultaneously reducing the effectiveness of government for the majority of the people.
The two party system no longer functions, because the Democrats and Republicans have placed party power, political celebrity, and personal wealth above the common good and best interests of the nation.
Over time, our political system has entered what has been called the "doom loop" - a vicious cycle wherein elected lawmakers act less and less in the best interests of the people.
With Democrats and Republicans increasingly supporting smaller numbers of special interest groups and wealthy donors, more and more American voters have stopped being Democrats or Republicans. As a result, Democratic and Republican party primaries often elect more extremist candidates as well as candidates that do not believe they have to support their entire constituency - just their targeted support group.
Since Democrats and Republicans are focused on maintaining power, they have rigged the game to ensure the system mainly reflects their two parties - freezing out competition that could break their grip on power.
Every election cycle, voters find themselves having to decide between only two horrible choices and voting for the lesser of two evils. After the election is over, voters increasingly feel as if their elected representatives no longer work for them and no longer seek out compromise or to work with the other side.
The truth is - our "doom loop" keeps getting worse. Politicians have become incredibly divided and polarized over the last 20 years - often resorting to highly inflammatory rhetoric, threats and personal attacks against their opponents. The negativity keeps growing.
Meanwhile, productivity on issues important to voters has largely stalled. Instead of working to solve problems or address important issues, politicians push only extreme bills and then fundraise following their failure - blaming the other party.
In the "doom loop" we are now living in - the two party system does not function for the people. Each side treats the other as evil and immoral. Propaganda is treated as fact. All of which leads to ineffective government and policies that benefit the few, and not the many.
