Bi-Partisan seems to be a Dirty Word

I recently attended a meeting of a political organization that is focused on building bi-partisan cooperation and unity in Washington, DC. I was deeply disappointed to hear that this group has been met with objections from both sides. The objection seems to be that simply being associated with a group advocating for cooperation and unity is "dangerous" to their political careers. What does that say about where we are? If you don't view your colleague as an enemy, you are viewed as a traitor to your party. Whatever happened to the idea that we are all Americans and what is truly important is what happens to America? The truth is that the majority of Americans are either center, center-left or center-right. Are they the "silent majority"? Perhaps silent because these people are too busy making ends meet, raising kids and helping others to have any time left to become active in politics? Unfortunately, that has enabled the extremes on both sides to take over our political process. While I have no idea how commonsense America can take control back, I do know that control cannot be regained by remaining silent. Many people steer clear of politics when engaging with family, friends and neighbors for fear of generating conflict. That needs to change. The only way to start taking control back from the extremes is to talk about our differences, listen to each other and take baby steps to taking control back.