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Politics in the United States have become far too tribal and divisive. We have sitting officials who've called for a national divorce and openly demonized Americans who don't share their views on specific issues. Republicans and Democrats alike bear responsibility for the unfortunate state of today's political system.

These days, it's not uncommon for folks to believe that anyone who disagrees with them on policy matters or social issues is the enemy.

There's also an unfortunate tendency to conflate political disagreement with the opposing individual or group having nefarious intentions. In many cases, this just isn't true. Human beings are not monolithic; therefore, we won't all see the world in the same way.

A true sign of the tribal and divisive nature of our politics is the way in which moderates are treated...by both Republicans and Democrats.

It's time to do better

Recent polls have shown a growing number of Americans becoming disgruntled with both the GOP and the Democrat Party. It's not hard to see why, either. Republicans and Democrats alike have an unfortunate pattern of looking upon (and treating) moderates with distrust.

Consequently, many Republicans often accuse moderates in their party of being "RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) or "neocons." Democrats have this problem also. All too often, moderate Democrats get accused of being "secret Republicans" or "undercover Republicans."

The fact of the matter is this nation - and our politics - needs to have moderate voters, candidates, and leaders in public office. The concept that anyone who suggests a middle-of-the-road approach (or working with the opposing side) has ill intentions is absurd.

An all-or-nothing attitude is great for riling up populists. It's not always so great for getting things done. There are myriad times when working across the aisle and compromising are critical skills needed to bring home a win.

Everything in moderation

Too many political officials today care about cementing their status as "firebrands" and using social media to galvanize their bases. This, in moderation, has its place. However, the purity tests that Republicans and Democrats both use to demonize and silence their moderate counterparts need to be discontinued.

A political system where only the most partisan and extreme candidates have the loudest say-sos is nothing short of a disaster. In real time, this country continues to see the negative consequences of tribalism and hyperpartisanship.

Moderates are essential to breaking this destructive dynamic once and for all.