A Defining Divide in America Today

Last night, President Trump delivered an inspiring and forward-looking address to Congress, highlighting a long list of achievements in just his first 45 days in office. It was a speech filled with optimism, accountability, and a vision for America’s future—one that resonated with millions across the country.

The day after, political commentator Dan Bongino made a critical observation: Republicans are approaching this moment in history with passion, while Democrats are responding with emotion.

This distinction is crucial in understanding the growing divide in American politics. Passion fuels a sense of purpose, a drive to enact real change, and a commitment to debating the issues with conviction and integrity. Emotion, on the other hand, often leads to reactionary responses, resistance to dialogue, and an unwillingness to acknowledge progress when it does not align with a particular agenda.

A stark example of this contrast was seen throughout the President’s speech. As he introduced individuals and families who had suffered personal losses due to the failures of past administrations—whether it was due to weak border policies, crime, or bureaucratic inefficiencies—the chamber was filled with applause and heartfelt support. That is, except from the Democrats, who sat in defiant silence.

The most striking moment of the night was when the President recognized a 13-year-old brain cancer survivor, DJ Daniel, sitting in the gallery. A young boy whose resilience and strength had led him to dream of serving in law enforcement.

When President Trump directed the head of the Secret Service to present him with an honorary commission and badge, the chamber erupted in applause, with many moved to tears. But the Democrats refused to even acknowledge the moment. They sat in their seats, arms crossed, unwilling to celebrate the triumph of a child who had endured so much.

This is the divide we see today. One side approaches governance with passion, fighting to restore fiscal responsibility, eliminate waste, secure the nation, and promote economic prosperity. The other side, driven by emotion, resists and rejects—even at the cost of honoring a child who embodies the very spirit of perseverance and service to country. I do not wish to make this a sweeping statement that assumes all members of the Democratic party are unwilling to have an open dialog, nor that they are void of any compassion for the families across the country that have lost love ones to the criminal element that has come across our border illegally, I simply can’t imagine that their party is all one sided in this humanitarian element of our country, however last night there was virtually no evidence of a sitting Democrat member of congress that was willing to show support for our brave citizens, our families with losses, or even a child that has battled so hard and long with a life threatening disease.

I firmly believe that passion is what drives progress, while unchecked emotion only deepens division. Passion allows for open debate, the exchange of ideas, and the ability to tackle tough issues with courage and conviction. Emotion, however, often closes the door to conversation, replaces discourse with outrage, and ultimately hinders meaningful progress. America is at a cross roads today. We are in a recovery mode from, IMHO of course, 4 years of mismanagement, corruption within the Administration, abuse by the Justice Department and Congress itself. If we do not face the challenges we have, the divide we are experiencing, with compassion for one another, and with an open heart and dialog towards a prosperous future, well our core values and foundational strength are at risk.

As we move forward as a nation, we must ask ourselves: Do we want our conversations to be fueled by passion and commitment to the American people, or one dictated by fleeting emotions and obstruction?

The choice is clear. Passion builds. Emotion divides. And the future of our nation depends on which path we choose.

Thank you by friends for taking the time to read my thoughts here, as well as the time to think through the message itself. Also, my thanks to someone I admire greatly from this law enforcement career as well as his commentary and voice to all Americans, Dan Bongino. This article was inspired by Dan’s commentary today.