On the surface, it seems like the United States is living in a cold civil war. The chasm between the left and right seems to be growing every day. On TV and social media, our politicians act like cats with their tails tied together. The media makes money by titling their videos and articles the most insane shit they can come up with, because that’s what generates the most money for them. They stretch the truth, at best. At worst, they make shit up. 

But, behind the scenes, our politicians are friends with each other. On May 19th, 2025, governor Jared Polis, a staunch democrat, signed a bill sponsored by the House Minority leader, Rose Pugliese, a republican, which was funded by a conservative think tank called the Goldwater Institute. I stood directly behind him and watched as his pen scribbled a signature, making my little bill into a state law. 

Prior to the bill’s signing, democrat and republican senators and representatives sheltered together from the rain under a gazebo in some random neighborhood park, where they made small-talk, exchanged handshakes and hugs, and discussed policy among each other with ear-to-ear grins. Hell, they even tried to invite me into their conversations a few times, but I just stayed silent and listened, like a deer in the headlights. 

It reminded me of a video that surfaced from Jimmy Carter’s funeral, of the presidents making their way in. At the start, Trump and Obama are seen talking to each other, exchanging handshakes and friendly words. Then George W. Bush comes in and playfully whacks Barack Obama on the chest as he sits next to him in the pews. After that, Trump and Obama continue their conversation, laughing with each other while hymns are sang by the choir. 

Perhaps, we are not as hopelessly divided as so many people-particularly those online and in the media- claim we are.