A foreigner looking objectively at the American experiment in popular governance might readily conclude that we’re still finding our way after 248 years. The most recent 20-year experience reflects a wandering (some might say ‘devianto) philosophical path enabled by distinct fractionalization of purpose between two political parties more interested in investigating and critiquing each other than fulfilling Constitutional promise of popular self-determination. The governed seem to have allowed apathy and indifference to subvert fundamental democratic precepts. A periodically elected Congress intended to be forward-looking by maintaining and advancing applicable law and policy has instead become consumed with partisan internal investigation of alleged party wrongdoing. Meanwhile, a growing list of serious current public concerns goes largely unaddressed – unchecked immigration, criminal behavior, judicial consistency, dollar devaluation, fiscal impropriety, drug dependency, educational shortcomings, military unpreparedness, infrastructure obsolescence, and more. The combination of party contentiousness and mutual fearmongering is conducive to disruptive civil unrest rather than forward-looking, common-sense social and economic advancement. Regrettably, the remarkable technological proliferation of media competition for viewers has further complicated and politicized public messaging that demands close voter attention. Phil Osifer