It’s not really a stretch to say that we’re a divided country, politically speaking. And we will probably continue to be for the foreseeable future.

Whenever one side of the political spectrum achieves some level of success, the other side sees a rampant upswing in activity, especially at the grassroots level. Think the Tea Party after the 2008 election. And whatever you want to call the left’s actions over the last few months.

It’s like Newton’s Third Law applied to politics.

But instead of me rambling on about it, check out this article that does a much better job explaining the phenomenon than I possibly could.

Here’s a good quote from the article:

“It seems like we’re caught in an endless cycle, where every positive result (from whichever side you see things) is quickly followed by a powerful reaction from the other side, providing an impediment to whatever gains you thought you’d make.”

I know I’m probably in the minority with this opinion but I think the best possible outcome we can hope for in future elections is for one party to hold the White House and the other party to narrowly hold both houses of Congress. That way, we’re in a sort of perpetual stalemate where neither side gets to fully impose their will on the people. But my view is colored by the fact that I distrust politicians of all stripes.

Not that there’s evidence to support this belief but my hope is that if we had enough elections where neither side truly wins, they might become more inclined to work together to achieve compromise.

I know, I know… it’s never likely to happen. But a guy can dream.