Dealing with the growing gap of the alienated majority

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In about a year we Americans head to the polls.  This is our opportunity to help move our government toward a more responsible and responsive position.  Imagine a government where politicians were more interested in working together to find solutions to help the American people than in defeating or immobilizing the other party.  Instead we are faced with extremists in both parties who view compromise as failure. 

There is a growing number of Americans who do not fit the mold of the extreme right or the extreme left.  This huge gap of people simply want to see our government return to the ideals of common sense solutions.  But the question lingers – can this really happen?  Can we move past the money that fuels current political extremism and elect candidates that represent mainstream beliefs? Or are we simply faced with choosing the best of the worst? 

Responsible government is about openness, honesty, and working together.  There is nothing turn-coat about voting for a bill that is sponsored by members of the other party, if that bill is indeed what is best for most Americans.  Likewise, it is not sabotage to vote against a bill sponsored by members of your own party if it proves to be harmful to most Americans.  Yet, that is how our politicians view their jobs.  All for or all against – there is no independent thought or compromise position. 

Can you imagine what would happen if this growing gap of middle-of-the-road Americans simply rejected the extremes of both parties and stove to elect people who represent the alienated majority.  America has shown that the two party system breeds discontent and distrust.  Yet, third parties have not proven to be an effective avenue either.   There must be a way to bridge this gap.  There must be a way to bring America back to doing what is in the best interest of Americans.