It happens to the best of us; I myself have survived one or two and I know others who have experienced just as many. There is no mistaking the event or its profound impact. It’s a mind and often life-altering experience that I’m thankful rarely occurs. But when it does, it demands one’s attention and singular focus. And when it leaves, one is never quite the same.

The United States and the American people are experiencing an identity crisis right now. The closeness of such a heated and important political race demonstrates just how torn we are. If my personal struggle during this election indicates at all that of the greater population, what we have before us is indeed a defining choice. The People are sick of a polarized country; sick of being placed in red and blue boxes; and sick of the need to divide our beliefs along party lines when many of us have a leg on each side.

I find the two-party system–or, more accurately, its current manifestation–inadequate for a 21st century America. Why can’t I believe in economic conservativeness and social progression at the same time and be represented in national government? To be fair, the Democratic candidate for President shares these beliefs, though the Republicans will do anything to convince the voters otherwise–read Senator Obama’s economic plan and tell me he doesn’t want our country’s mind broadened and its purse strings drawn tighter. But I digress and at the same time fan the flame…

This election should be about not what divides us, but the inspiration and determination of the American people as a whole; about perseverance and the American will; and, more importantly, about reclaiming our American identity. Perhaps it’s blind optimism that compels me to believe that we can and will do better–especially considering our recent elective choices that seem to betray that confidence–but I believe it nonetheless.

This is America! We fought a revolution and won, defying all odds and forcing back the most powerful empire in the world. We instituted a government unfathomed at the time, endowing us, the People, with the power to choose our fate. We need to stand up and compromise with each other. We need to meet at the table, discuss our differences, and bend to shake in the middle. Empires rise and fall; and, though we find ourselves in troubled times, believing we are a nation beyond the tendrils of history will bring about our biggest downfall yet.

America is synonymous with progression. Indeed, our inception was based on altering the status quo to guarantee more personal liberty, a better life, and more opportunities for happiness than ever before. Our foundation is progress and our choices to promote it have been heralded and emulated by countries around the world. We cannot inspire via stagnation; we must continue to progress and break down provincial barriers and live up to the promise of our founding.

The world wishes, nay lusts after, our success; do we, the People, want it too?