When you think about the state of national politics in America today, it makes millions of us very sad. There are a number of words I could have used instead of “sad” but when you think about what is happening in our nation today, in both political parties, it is truly a sad state of affairs, and somehow it has to improve.

I have some suggestions that may help. First, let me say that as a syndicated columnist I have been very careful not to take sides because I don’t think this is my job. While I am first a Christian, then a conservative, I have never been a member of any political party. I am proud to say that I am an American, one who proudly stands and, hand over my heart, salutes the flag, and who has a deep respect and love for other people.

For me, the overriding issue comes down to a point I made in a column I wrote several years ago titled, “You can’t sink half a ship.” The story goes that a ship was far out to sea and the First Mate rushed up to the Captain and said, “Sir, the ship is sinking.” The Captain calmly replied, “Let her go, she ain’t ours.” The point I am making is that the ship IS ours if we are on it.

Apparently a lot of people think that the United States is too big and too powerful to ever go under, but this is not true. While we are so busy fighting each other, there is an element in our nation that is far more deadly than anything we have ever faced before. In the past few months the authorities have discovered two alleged Islamic training camps, right here on our own soil, and these people are dedicated to our destruction.

Now, let’s get back to the sad state of affairs in American politics. We have a man who is president of our country, Donald Trump, who I never thought would be elected. However, the reason he was is that he was able to tap into the anger that is felt by millions of Americans. And he is brash enough, independent enough and bold enough to make much-needed changes. This is a threat to those who have been in power, not just those who have been elected but those in the establishment. With the help of the media, these people are dedicated to removing him from office, or at least defeating him in the next election.

It is really a case of Nero fiddling while Rome burns. It would be humorous if not so sad – the issues and line of thinking that so many, especially political candidates, are promoting today. You just wonder where all these ideas come from, especially when it comes to promoting Socialism. As Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has said, “The only thing wrong with Socialism is that pretty soon you run out of other people’s money.” Most of the American people have a television set and can very plainly see what is happening in Venezuela. We have a great country here, the best in the world, and I want to help preserve it for future generations.

In the past we have always respected the office of President, and while there have always been sharp disagreements, we have been able to work together to serve the American people. For me, this is where our real hope lies: that we can put aside the anger and resentment and put the best interests of America in first place in our hearts and our votes. We simply won’t win if we continue the path we have been on for the past several months. Therefore I am calling for a spirit of harmony to invade the halls of Congress, the White House, the President’s Cabinet and all Government Offices and let’s remember, it is our ship if we are on it. We all win together or we all lose. God Bless America.

—

(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)