Recent election cycles have proven how exasperated a large segment of our citizenry has become with political processes and all of the propaganda that comes with them. While voters across party lines have increasingly become disenchanted with their respective party representatives, the more independent voters are determined to elect only those who exhibit a greater commitment to principles and policies that are fiscally sound and good for the nation as a whole. This block of voters has pretty much become the fastest growing segment of the electorate, and how they vote is determining how elections turn all over the country. Independent voters are more focused on choosing representatives who espouse positions and beliefs that align with their own, without much regard for party affiliation. Recent legislative bills passed by the Democrat and Republican parties indicate how difficult it has become for elected officials to tow traditional party lines. The domestic and foreign policy challenges that we are facing has not allowed them to adhere to politics as usual. Instead, they are being forced to do what’s right for the country, which has meant stepping outside of their political comfort zones. Ironically, moving beyond the walls of political traditions and party allegiance is precisely what Americans want from politicians. Strangely enough, it may have taken crisis moments to actually get elected officials to focus on real policy as opposed to their political agendas.

Current economic, geopolitical, and national security trends call for political leadership that is courageous and free enough to make decisions that reflect sound judgment. Recent domestic and global events have dictated degrees of government intervention that make everyone nervous and uncomfortable. Because Americans are not accustomed to the unprecedented levels of spending in Washington over the past two years, we have become even more impatient with partisan bickering and the lack of fiscal accountability. Now more than ever, people are demanding policy solutions that will not bankrupt this nation and not steal more of their hard earned dollars. Whichever political party is willing to provide the right political leadership should acquit themselves well during these uncertain times. We are living in an era that demands leaders who are more principled and independent, and less partisan and beholden to politics. While it may be too much to expect, the war times and financial crises confronting America and the world ought to be reason enough for politicians to favor sound public policies over politics.