Our nation is wretchedly divided on basic political issues, more so than pre-Civil War.

Pew Research in its Political Polarization in the American Public finds greater ideological division, partisan antipathy deeper – the most extensive since 1980. Schisms are “greatest among those most engaged active in political process” and infighting greatly “affects everyday life.”

Widely divergent views among politically interested voters result in career politicians adopting one of three approaches. Roughly 20 percent of Washington Republicans portray themselves as conservative. Fewer than 8 percent of Washington Democrats even admit to conservatism. Easier to count. Nineteen Democrat districts, one Democrat state vote conservatively – rightist positions required for election; some Republicans are in the same boat. Very conservative districts or states require conservatism be declared to win votes. Nearly all beltway politicians would dance atop the political fence if possible. About three-quarters now do the jig, feeling they must to steal ballots from both sides.

National safety and security is a primary function of federal government, requiring fair compensation and benefits for all-volunteer armed forces and families. Borders should be closed and tightly controlled. We need limited, screened immigration based on our nations’ needs. Make Coast Guard and Border Patrol branches of military within the Defense Department. Elevate selectivity and training for those branches to match Marines or SEALs.

Individuals, families, special interest groups, government agencies and corporations often use government to their advantage. Politicians buy support or votes with government programs. We pay the bills. Large corporations sometimes take unfair advantage of our political system. Most businesses either fail and go under, or earn fair and reasonable profits. But federal government is always inefficient and squanders money.

We need common-sense environmental laws, regulations that protect our environment. Enforcement targeting certain industries to buy votes from radical environmentalists is nonsense. Most able Americans want to get ahead and can by working hard.

There should be no discrimination, or favoritism, in the workplace due to gender, race or ethnicity. Many are uneasy with open homosexuality but acknowledge societal views are changing. Federal employees have job security not found in the private sector.

Washington is a poisonous environment in a bubble. No politician should accept anything from special interests or lobbyists. No federal officeholder should be influenced or restricted by political party affiliation. There should be no such thing as a career politician, only patriotic citizens willing to serve. Think George Washington.

The pledge of every candidate should be:

I will adhere to all laws and regulations of the United States.

I will do all I can to ensure the safety and security of the nation, including appropriate benefits and care for active military, veterans and families.

I will do all I can to stop all illegal immigration and amnesty.

I will support all common-sense efforts to protect our environment.

I will do all I can to eliminate discrimination or favoritism in the workplace due to gender, race, ethnicity or legal acts outside the workplace.

I will do all I can to substantially cut federal spending and debt.

I will do all I can to eliminate senseless job security for federal employees.

I will accept nothing from special interests or lobbyists.

I will not be a career politician, only a short-term servant to my constituents.

I will not be restricted, in any way, by a political party.

This oath is intended for every candidate for federal elective office – president, vice president, senators and representatives. Incumbency is no concern unless these words: “not be a career politician, only a short-term servant” are an issue.

Never vote for a candidate failing to affirm the oath, followed by questions from the public and an open news conference. Let there be no misunderstandings about what is meant by every word the pledger speaks. Ask this. “If, during the course of office, it became apparent you violated a point of the pledge, would you resign or force us to remove you?”

Democrat, Republican, independent, gender, race, ethnicity, private interests – no concern. Record, actions and positions. No one forced to affirm. No American citizen votes for a candidate who has not pledged.

“Whenever a man has cast a longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct.”

Thomas Jefferson

— Stephen Warren is a Bowling Green native.