DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: Isn’t it time we stopped looking at the differences and started considering the similarities between us as Americans?

Let’s talk about the upcoming mid-terms – and well – let’s talk about elections in general.

Who are you going to vote for in 2026?

And, other than the incumbent’s already available history, do you really know what they’ll do in the future or what their opponent might decide to do once in office?

Before I get too far down this week’s rabbit hole, I want to start by saying there’s an informative social media account called @commonground with the entire idea to bring the Democrats, Republicans, and Independents together by discussing what all three “sides” have in common.

There are quite a few things each side have in common, it turns out.

That made me feel good because it’s so “last year” when people are posting trash about the other side thinking that’s where we are in the United States these days.

Yes, there’s quite a bit of negative going on all around us. Just look at the trash being uncovered on Ilhan Omar in Minnesota. And now, so much more coming out along the same lines in Ohio.

But there’s always positive too.

The main point to remember is you’ll never fix the problem until you admit it exists and decide to work together for compromise.

The social media account mentioned above put together a group of ideas that all sides of the aisle seem to agree on, so let’s start there – and let me know what you think.

And if any politician believes lifetime term limits, taking lobbyist’s money, voting with an eye toward greed, the acceptance of pedophiles and human trafficking, or turning a blind eye to the commonsense of what I have just mentioned above is okay I hope enough people will wake up and say “goodbye to the old let’s give the new kids on the block a chance, because what is going on now is definitely not working.”

And remember – political party chaos is a diversion to keep constituent’s hate and fear alive.

Isn’t it time we stopped looking at the differences and started considering the similarities between us all?

Let’s see if we can start with these top priorities that both liberals and conservatives can agree:

• Ban hedge funds from buying single family homes so families can buy homes again.

• Ban Congress from trading stocks so that the rules in the United States apply to everyone equally.

• End government shutdowns. And if there’s a shutdown Congress must continue the current funding until a new deal passes. After all, it’s clear to many Americans that the most recent shutdown was not as it appeared. Did anyone benefit other than the government still getting paid and still acting like pre-school students on the playground?

• Demand single issue bills where Congress votes on one issue at a time without blaming the other side when a bill does not pass. This would also eliminate the current behavior of sneaking items into 1000-page bills that no one has time to read.

• Ban unions, corporations, and super PACs from donating to federal campaigns and allow only individual citizens with a contribution cap per election cycle.

• Demand healthy and affordable food.

• Require transparency in news media in which news outlets must label opinions versus straight reporting of the facts.

• Epstein accomplices and co-conspirators arrested and held accountable.

• Deport violent illegal immigrants with due process.

• Bring back common sense, kindness, and respect to the United States.

• Implement taxpayer oversight with how tax dollars are spent with clear reporting and independent audits allowing citizens to flag waste.

• Make bills available at least a week before a vote for both Congress and the public to review.

• Audit the Pentagon and hold leadership accountable for past and future failed audits.

• End corporate welfare where giant billion dollar corporations like Walmart are paying their employees such low wages that the taxpayer must subsidize when these employees qualify for SNAP and Medicaid.

• Take foreign influence out of politics (AIPAC anyone?)

• Demand healthcare price transparency so when a person needs medical care there’s a not a giant bill waiting for them and lower prescription drug prices as well.

• Reduce deficit spending and require Congress to pass a real plan to balance the budget over 10 years with the exceptions for national emergencies.

• End corporate tax loopholes.

• Break up or heavily regulate big pharma and big tech monopolies.

• End the forever wars our current military participates in now. There’s nothing wrong with a strong military and defense spending, but not for wars fueled due to greed and manipulation.

• Secure the border and make the path to legal immigration in the U.S. for non-criminal immigrants reasonable and respectful.

• No federal taxes on tips and overtime for workers earning under $150,000.

• Ban stock buy backs and heavily tax or ban buybacks when companies are laying off workers or freezing wages.

• Ban the lobbying revolving door with no member of Congress allowed to become a lobbyist or work for a lobbyist firm after leaving office for a certain number of years.

• Allow consumers and independent shops the right to repair phones, cars, tractors, and farm equipment since manufacturers currently make this difficult.

• Require all presidential candidates to release 10 years of tax returns before running for office to confirm transparency and conflicts of interest.

• Demand term limits.

It’s time we started engaging with one another across party lines.

It’s time we stopped believing everyone needs to think like we do and learn to respect those who care about this country even if they are not marching to the beat of the same drum. Perhaps then we will have a starting point.

People are never going to agree, but healthy discussion and respect with a look toward compromise is the only way to get out of the greedy, power grab we currently appear to be experiencing from both sides of the aisle.

And as for the extremist groups with extreme ideas hellbent on destroying America – you are not welcome.

As for those situations like we are seeing in Minnesota relating to what Omar has allegedly been part of harming and stealing taxpayer’s dollars inside the United States – jail or deport them. The United States does not have time for that anymore.

And if you don’t respect the United States, its values and the United States Constitution, keep on looking for a new home – it will not be here.

The United States needs healthy boundaries and that starts with learning to say NO.

It also starts with U.S. citizens refusing corruption and disrespect and individuals saying no in their personal lives. Saying no to mental or physical abuse personally and when necessary, abuse by politicians, corrupt leaders, narcissists, law enforcement, or any individual who makes you feel weak or defenseless.

How to begin?

Go vote, but first research the incumbents and candidate’s history. Check their financial campaigns and learn who is funding them compared to how they vote and behave in DC and locally. Ask them questions and hold each incumbent and candidate accountable.

You hold the power to help take this country back, so make the politicians work for you or show them the door and vote in someone who will represent “We the People.”

As the African proverb reminds “It takes a village” and the leader of that village just might be you!

Rita Cook is a freelance writer for The Ellis County Press. She can be reached at rcook13@earthlink.net.