Our Broken America Why Both Sides Need to Stop Ranting and Start Listening

Discover what is needed to save America from the looming menace of fake news and political polarization.
We are a country in crisis. America is extremely politically polarized. It's almost impossible to have a civil discussion about politics and political issues without emotions overflowing and people erupting, whether within your circle of friends, family, or just watching it happen on the news. Gone are the days of real, unbiased, fact-based news -- now our airwaves and device screens are dominated by opinion labelled as news.The idea of our nation marching toward civil war is very real. You can watch CNN or FOX News and think you are on two different planets. And the sheer vitriol you watch is reflective of the same feeling Democrats and Republicans -- and everyone in between -- are feeling throughout this country. It's more important than ever to find common ground. Throughout our history, our most inspirational leaders have believed that our future was bright, that our foundation was different, and that the American people would rise to the challenge. Together we can stop ranting and raving and save our country from the dangers of political polarization.Our Broken America is a wake-up call for our nation. Together, we can change politics and save our nation.

Jackie Gingrich Cushman is a syndicated columnist for Creators Syndicate. She is the author of two books, 5 Principles for a Successful Life: From Our Family to Yours, and The Essential American: 25 Documents and Speeches Every American Should Own. For over 16 years, she has served on the board of directors, volunteered and assisted Our House, a homeless shelter for newborns and their families. She also serves on the board of the Trust for Public Land and GEEARS (Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students). Jackie served as a senior advisor and national media surrogate for Newt Gingrich in the Republican Presidential primary for the 2012 election. She holds the CFA designation and the National Association of Corporate Directors Board Leadership Fellow designation. She lives in Georgia.