The U.S. has long been divided between two separate groups: Democrats and Republicans. People have their own beliefs: some are driven by religion, others by their environment. On certain issues citizens can agree while other topics can be polarizing and divisive. One of the defining aspects of this country is that every person is allowed to have an opinion, which can be as minor as preferring one cereal over another, or as vital as a woman’s right to choose.
Currently, there is an ever-growing number of debatable matters in politics, three of which are abortion, healthcare and gay rights. Each issue has contrasting views by Democrats and Republicans. Abortion is an issue that does not have much of a middle ground. Democrats generally believe in a woman’s right to choose while Republicans are pro life. Republican beliefs against abortion are often attributed to religious reasons while Democrats consider termination a choice that is to be decided between a woman and her doctor, not the government. This subject is an extreme example of an issue that polarizes the government and the country.
As information on these issues become more available through 24-hour news channels and social media, minors are beginning to form their stances at a younger age. Sophomore Sierra Coflin is profoundly aware of the situation and has a detailed stance. “I believe that women who have unexpected or unwanted pregnancies should be able to choose whether or not they should have an abortion,” Coflin said.
Further issues need not be as divisive as abortion, for instance health care is topic that citizens agree on. Regardless of details, the United States needs affordable health care, which is wanted by both parties to provide for the common good. Democrats and Republicans are both guilty of using their power unilaterally, without consulting with the opposing side. Obamacare was set in place without involving the Republicans. Now that the Republican party is in power, they want to repeal and replace Obamacare to a much lesser degree. President Donald Trump says he is focused on spreading health care throughout the country for Republicans and Democrats.
“Insurance for everybody,” President Trump said, according to The Atlantic.
Similar to the issue of a woman’s right to choose, opinions on gay rights tend to flow from religious beliefs and divide along party lines as well. This in itself, however, is something that Democrats would consider progress. People in high power who are against gay marriage can influence the country for the soul reason being they have power, such as John Kasich, Republican Governor of Ohio.
The majority of people who are against gay marriage are Republicans, which is most evident in Congress, where conservatives have been vocal in their opinions. Junior Sean Lin has watched how times have changed for the citizens of the country.
“I think people should be able to marry anyone, regardless of their gender,” Lin said.

Hannah Shapiro

Staff Writer