If we equated today’s American political landscape to a child’s game, it would have to be Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots.

The red (Republican) robot bashing the head of the blue (Democratic) robot and vice versa. Nonstop combat, taking turns “popping” the other side. The result: STALEMATE. Blind loyalty is the cost of admission. This game, unlike the original, is played by a roomful of (adult) children, the only difference being their room is under a dome.

Though the stakes are higher, the results are the same. Agreement is minimal, accomplishments are few, a minor win here and there, enough to keep deluding their fan base. Each has its head bashed dozens of times, then they go home, come back the next day and do it again.

This daily game-playing, fist-pumping, finger-­pointing divisiveness s­eems to play to the masses. Why? Because each robot has a large number of other robots that follow and support them. These other robots are extremely invested in their robot’s causes and the supposed evils of the other. Blindly following Red or Blue because … why? Common sense and collateral damage be damned. Independent thinking is not permitted.

Even though there is an opportunity to change robots every two or four years, maybe for a green or yellow one, most times we continue to stick with the familiar. Apparently, results don’t matter.

I hear there’s been a new game popping up lately. Bloody Knuckles, anyone?

Tim Kaczmarek

Natrona Heights

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