“The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, is itself a frightful despotism,”- George Washington’s farewell address, 1796.

When our first president, George Washington, stepped down from presidency, he warned the country would eventually split and cautioned against political parties in hopes to prevent vengeance, corruption, anger and war. Close to 300 years later, Washington’s words feel much more prominent, not just words on an old parchment. So, was he right? Yes. 

A Country Split in 2025

America in 2025 is deeply tribalized, especially between liberals and conservatives, who are entrenched in their differences. This difference, though, extends beyond politics. 

It shapes relationships, families, friends and entire states. People aren’t open to beliefs that contradict their own, even just hearing another side. 

A Pew Research center study in 2024, revealed that 63% of Americans say they have very “unfavorable views” of the opposing political party, the highest level in decades. These discussions that once ended in respect, now dissolve in violence. 

Charlie Kirk was famous for his “Prove me Wrong” booth, where he would empower conservative students on college campuses through energizing and hot topic speeches and debates. However, these dialogues caused shouting, fighting and each group to be more determined to prove their point. This is the “spirit of revenge” that Washington warned against. 

Kirk, conservative speaker and founder of Turning Point USA, (a non profit organization dedicated to spreading the conservative movement to high schools, college and universities) was fatally shot while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley State University on Sept. 10, 2025. 

The suspect, 22 year old Tyler Robinson, is being charged with murder and facing the death penalty. 

No lives should be lost for the freedom of speech. The Freedom of Speech has been a fundamental aspect of our country since the United States was founded. This is a constitutional issue and these rights are being threatened. 

Disturbingly, some on social media are celebrating the death of Kirk. Agree with Kirk’s beliefs or not, losing lives should not be on the table. The shooting of Kirk was not an isolated event, it fits into a pattern where people see violence as a way to justify disagreeing with the other side. 

“There’s a dam that has opened, nobody knows how to stop or slow it down, ” Kelly Kelly, Spanish teacher at Jupiter High School, said. 

Division equals tragedy 

“I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally,” George Washington, farewell address, 1796. 

According to the Anti Defamation League (ADL), political violence in the United States has surged nearly 50% between 2020 and 2024. 

As a prime example of this increase in political violence, Jan. 6, 2021, Trump supporters and conservatives stormed Capitol Hill, hoping to put a stop to the certification that brought Joe Biden into office. This attack immediately killed 5 people, injuring 140 law enforcement officers, and some officers even died by suicide in the days following the attack. 

“There is a difference between emotion and passion,” Kelly said. “And people forget that,” she added. 

Schools under siege

Schools. A place where we go every day and was once considered a space for learning and growth is now the battleground of America’s differences. Battles over book bans, gender identity policies, etc have turned board meetings and state education departments upside down. 

ABC News  has reported that there have been at least 90 incidents of gun violence just this year, 29 deaths and 69 injuries. At least 57 of them being in schools, just in 2025. 

While these issues may not feel close to home, contrarily, Jupiter High School has students every year who go to Florida State University (FSU), where a student opened fire, killing two people and injuring six in April.

Shootings that have taken the lives of children, teachers, faculty and staff, but have also changed the lives of mothers, fathers, friends, grandparents and the world we live in. If it is like this now, what will the world be like in 20 years? 

“I believe that when there is fear underneath all of the actions we take, it will limit us. So, if we are afraid to say certain things in the classroom, to simulate good thinking, then it is going to limit us,” Kelly said. 

Social Media’s role

A prime and root cause of this polarization in America is social media. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X, Tiktok and Snapchat thrive on anger and outrage, rewarding things that go to the most extreme with likes, comments and reposts. 

“Everyone in our generation thrives off of likes and comments. It’s what makes us feel good,” Adley Nuquist, junior, said. 

For teens, politics isn’t a discussion or an exchange of opinions and ideas, but instead these platforms create a cave of echoes where users only hear voices that confirm their beliefs and will always push for that, leaving no room for the facts. 

The World Watches

America’s divide doesn’t just hurt us as American people, but is felt across the globe, which causes more international tension. Russia and China have exploited the U.S political propaganda through cyber hacks and have spread information to deepen these issues. In 2025, the European Union (EU) weakens the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). (Washington feared that loyalty to a party would outweigh the loyalty to a nation.

In many ways, the prediction has been confirmed. Not just a divisor of America, but dividing the world and having it question America’s leadership. 

Pressing a path forward

There is still a way forward. There is still a way to come out of this polarization and be a stronger, united nation. The United States of America.

Washington’s warning wasn’t just about how we are doomed. It was about the choice we have as Americans. If we as Americans prioritize kindness, thinking and collaboration, these “evils” and polarization can be slowed and peace can be reached. 

Nearly 300 years later, the first president’s final message is still as prominent as it once was, maybe even more. Unity can promote freedom. The question is, are we listening?