Although there is nothing new about partisan politics, the level of extreme partisanship we have witnessed in the last four years is concerning and dangerous. Regardless of one’s perspectives and/or political preferences, the level of extremism this nation is experiencing, largely because Donald Trump’s core supporters and followers appear empowered and empowered by their rhetoric, apparent attitude, and behavior, which encourages ( or, at least, it does nothing to discourage), behavior, which could be dangerous, for many, in our society! Those loyal to this president, articulated apparent threats and exhibited behavior that should concern us, both today and in the future! With that in mind, this article will briefly attempt to consider, examine, review, and discuss 5 clear and present dangers of this partisanship.

1. Reduces the intentions of the electorate and the purpose of the election: Americans have always prided themselves on free and fair elections and the way voters in this country choose their leaders! When, a group of disappointed supporters of this President, articulate false claims and accusations, and express apparent threats, apparently because, they feel, it must be voter fraud (or something), if their man lost, continually repeating the charges, and accusations , which have been repeatedly refuted, poses a threat to our system of electing our political leaders based on the votes of the electorate! If, every time, someone loses an election, they threaten violence, etc., what will that do to the core of the nation?

2. Objections must be based on facts: During the four years of his tenure, as well as his campaign years and throughout his non-political life, Donald Trump has had a reputation for being far less than truthful, etc.! While the possibility of fraud always exists in any election, charges of fraud should be investigated and reviewed, but this should be done based on facts, and not mere unsubstantiated conspiracy theories. After about 60 court challenges, the Trump campaign, won and lost, all significant, decisively, there must be limitations, on how much time, the court and the public’s time can be misused, based on falsehoods, etc.

3. There must be an end: Legal challenges are, and should be, part of our system, but, when these have run out, again and again, at some point, there must be an end! The State, Federal, Appeals, and Supreme Courts have reviewed these complaints, as well as the Judiciary Department and Trump-appointed Attorney General Barr, and have found that there was no widespread significant fraud, especially anything that would alter the the election results!

Four. Dividing/ polarizing: We are living in divisive and polarizing times, where there seems to be little willingness to seek any meeting of minds, for the common good! This nation is always stronger when a leader seeks to unify rather than appeal solely to his core!

5. Damages public confidence in the system: The events of this election cycle have caused significant damage to the public’s trust in the system! The combination of voter suppression attempts, threats, false accusations, and polarization are indeed a clear and present danger to what we have considered to be the American way!

Historians will probably regard this time period in our nation’s history as one of the most challenging for this country’s identity! Wake up America, listen effectively, understand fully, consider the realities (instead of populist rhetoric and promises), and make America sane again!