The fact is, we do not listen to one another and it is damaging our society, country — and our chance for domestic peace more than anything else. This is not a partisan issue, but an issue that happens on both sides of the aisle far too often –– though ironically, both sides believe only the other is at fault.

As a politically moderate individual who has voted for both parties on the ballot, (though admittedly tends to lean left on certain social issues,) I can say that today more than ever, liberals are the worst listeners.

On campus, I have noticed this problem on many occasions. This newly found overhaul of excessive political correctness and the belief that a certain philosophy class is teaching fact creates this absurd belief that philosophy is fact. I am sorry, but that is completely wrong. Philosophy is defined by Merriam-Webster as, “a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought.” A theory is an idea that cannot be proven and that has no evidence, ergo, it cannot be proven wrong.

I personally believe that the party in which I have often adhered to the same philosophy of has adopted an extremist attitude which alienates anyone that has a slightly different opinion than the majority. A prime example of this instance is a year ago when a speaker came to campus. He was highly educated in the history of Christopher Columbus, and many hyper-liberals, (which is what these extreme lefties should be labeled as,) were protesting rather than maturely listening to the other side. I am not saying to listen to the likes of Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Milo Yiannopoulos, but for those highly educated, respectful individuals, it is important to give them the time of day.

As an individual who was a part of –– for a short while –– the Diversity Leadership Program at RWU, I felt that my old “mentor” never valued my opinion and said I was a “racist” for saying that I love the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. I mean c’mon. I always try to listen as I have done with articles I have acquired through this weekly publication, those of which often hold different opinions than my own. However, I publish, I listen and sometimes I say, “Wow, that makes a lot of sense.”

Now, Republicans, please don’t puff your chests yet, listen further. Your party also has an alt-party that believes in other social absurdities, like those who believe evolution and global warming are fake, that homosexuals will ruin the country and that more guns will halt the ungodly rise in shootings. Really, you’re being silly and you know you are.

A belief doesn’t stem from a party, but an individual. One who has held different experiences, upbringings and points of view. You do not need to believe in the agenda of your “parties” to identify as one. Hold different opinions, discuss with those who hold different ones, and compromise –– because that is the only thing that will move us further. Both parties have drifted too far away from the middle and it is time to come back.