Opinion: Americans are not each other's enemies. Citizens must reject polarizing rhetoric

This guest opinion column was updated to address a technical issue related to a hyperlink.

America has become trapped in a cycle where the language of war dominates our political campaigns and the relations between parties.

This "take no prisoners" mentality has seeped into public discourse, reducing debates to little more than mudslinging. The use of combat related terms creates an atmosphere of constant conflict that deepens divisions and erodes trust.

Instead of engaging in destructive rhetoric, we must focus on making our government work to address the critical challenges facing our nation — national security, economic security, and social stability.

Constitution was mean to encourage bipartisan problem-solving

Our call to action is inspired by a retired Fort Campbell elementary school teacher’s courage to engage in democracy through a social media posting .

Her post emphasized that elections shape our nation's future, and 2024 is no exception. We join her in questioning whether presidential or down-ballot candidates have proposed serious solutions to reduce the deficit, tackle other domestic challenges, or address foreign threats.

It is clear to us that the Constitution's checks and balances were not meant for political gain but to encourage bipartisan problem-solving, with integrity and cooperation, in order to govern in a positive way.

We open a path to our enemies if we fight each other

Polarization of American society has reached dangerous levels. Dehumanization of people who hold opposing views undermines trust in our democratic process and increases the risk of civil unrest, especially in contested elections.

When political language mirrors the terminology of war, potential for violence rises, threatening the integrity of our political system, economy, and social fabric.

The window for effective action, though the ballot box, is closing. As we struggle with internal gridlock, the U.S. faces significant external threats from a new “axis of evil” consisting of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. These nations, each with its own agenda, pose grave risks to global stability and U.S. security.

China pursues global dominance through economic and technological means; Russia uses military aggression to destabilize its neighbors; Iran leverages its military and proxies to threaten Israel and the U.S.; and North Korea actively seeks nuclear capabilities to extort neighbors. Acting alone or together, these rogue states form a complex web of challenges we must be prepared to confront—fighting each other prevents unified action.

Commitment to democratic principles is paramount

To effectively manage internal challenges and defend against external threats, we must shift the tone of our political discourse. The focus must be on electing those willing to move away from rhetorical warfare and toward collaborative, bipartisan solutions. Our elected senior leaders must address internal issues while crafting a national security strategy that integrates our military, diplomatic, economic, and cultural strengths.

Our leaders must prioritize clear communication and a commitment to democratic principles to avoid domestic instability. Treating politics like warfare, digging in on political positions, prevents compromise that can produce meaningful solutions to our nation's problems. Instead, fostering cooperation and healthy debate can address the challenges we face, ensuring a more secure future for all Americans. Bipartisan leadership is essential to building a unified nation capable of meeting complex global threats.

Perhaps the most important lessons really are learned in elementary school. As the late comedian George Carlin once said: "Don't just teach your children to read. Teach them to question what they read. Teach them to question everything."

Or, as the retired Fort Campbell teacher urged us: "Get out and vote. Just make sure you can honestly justify your vote — to yourself."

Louis Buck, a Republican, is currently employed in the development of alternative energy and regenerative agriculture projects.  Previously, he was appointed to both State and Federal Department of Agriculture leadership positions. He champions global rural economic development and international trade emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship.

John “Glad” Castellaw, a Democrat, is a retired Marine lieutenant general who served for 36 years before returning to his family farm in West Tennessee. He remains involved in national security issues through a variety of organizations advocating for food and climate security as well as leading businesses developing tools to defend against pandemics in humans and animals.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Opinion: Americans are not each other's enemies. Citizens must reject polarizing rhetoric