In this most unique era of American political and cultural history, when we are debating and fighting about many major existential issues in every facet of society, government and culture, it occurred to me that I’ve become a single-issue voter.

One issue captures the major issues — and the divide.

The United States of America is an exceptional (albeit imperfect) nation, which has done more to bring together people of diverse cultures, religions, classes and languages, create wealth and to ensure that its citizens can pursue happiness and do so freely. It has served as a force for good in the world — especially as a check on the forces of evil of the last one hundred years — more than perhaps any nation in history.

It is a choice between that belief on the one hand — along with the laws, customs, and principles that uphold and protect it — versus, on the other hand, those policies and actions that intentionally and purposefully tear down the pillars of America. Don’t forget there are some politicians who highlight and harp on our differences, seeking to pull us apart — even inventing new cultures, terms and genders rather than e pluribus unum — out of many, one. Worse, those politicians whose policies seek to weaken or tear down the entire nation. 

Through their policies, speeches and actions, politicians are picking a side. Most major issues are based on this divide. Are you a politician who’s running to strengthen, preserve and promote America, the Constitution, and the principles and customs that have made Americans and America successful? Or do you see America and Americans as fundamentally flawed or harmful? Do you believe we should ignore or replace the Constitution? Do you wish to tear apart or replace the principles and customs that have made us thrive?

Some Americans are single-issue voters, too: abortion, guns, “democracy,” climate, election integrity, safety and security, equity, etc. My single issue is more complex — yet also more basic.

From the presidency to school board races, from congress to serving as district attorney, candidates either believe that America is essentially great — and those things that made it great deserve support — or they believe Americans are flawed or America has caused those flaws or allowed those flaws to flourish. 

This is how I screen candidates: 

Do you view America as a flawed — if not harmful — force in the world and therefore hold that we should keep quiet, listen to international organizations, and dish out cash around the world to atone for our sins?

Do you support policies that will ensure that all Americans have a chance to reach their own potential? To pursue the American Dream? Or are you more focused on “equity” — that everyone should come out the same, either artificially holding some down or “lifting” some up? Do you understand that capitalism works — economically and morally, or do you want to pursue socialism, or some cosmetically cleaned up version like “democratic socialism?”

From this flows other policies from tax rates to school choice. Do you want to empower people or do you think government knows best?  Does the path to success, independence, and financial and emotional happiness come from an opportunity to succeed and reach that goal on your own,  or by the government picking winners and losers, handing out checks because their system failed you?

Similarly, do you believe in the rule of law? That legislators make laws, the executive enforces them, and that judges are to be “umpires” not “players?” Do you believe bureaucrats are administrators of the written law or “experts” whose views count more than legislators?

And, do you believe that government should keep Americans safe by protecting the “good guys” from the “bad guys,” whether that bad guys are murderers or carjackers who were born in Pennsylvania or Columbia? Or do you think the criminal justice system needs to “understand” why a rapist attacked your daughter? Or that our border needs to be open to allow almost anyone claiming “asylum” to come in — and we’ll figure it out later…at their hearing in 2027?

Do you understand that we are blessed with the technology, fossil fuels, and minerals to make the United States and our true allies independent and safe, and that we have a duty to use them responsibly? Or are you more addicted to the climate cult and willing to have Americans freeze, eat less, or be dependent on Russia, Saudi Arabia or China to even hope to maintain a “livable” lifestyle? Are you willing to endanger or even throw away our economic and national security — and figure it out later?

Do you embrace the First Amendment or think the government should monitor your speech? Do you believe in individual liberties, or do you believe that “experts” know best?

Do you embrace the quintessential American approach of common sense and focus on results, or do you advocate for things that are demonstrably harmful, irresponsible or just flat out wrong — all because you have an agenda to pursue?

In the last two decades, we have entered a new political and cultural phase where we don’t simply debate tax rates; rather, it’s socialism versus capitalism. We don’t debate how to strengthen the family; some politicians and their allies make up new definitions of family and suggest that government knows more than parents — and that children know more than parents. We’ve had presidents that say that while China or Iran are flawed; so is America. Sure, but that’s like saying that tax evasion, rape, and murder are all crimes. 

The issues are many and the positions are often radically different and diametrically opposed.

At their core, it comes down to this: Is America a great — albeit imperfect — society with a Constitution, principles, and customs that are to be preserved and promoted? Or are we inherently flawed and need to apologize for our history and pull apart our pillars — if not replace the whole society?

I’ve made my decision. You?

Guy Ciarrocchi is a Senior Fellow at the Commonwealth Foundation. He writes for Broad + Liberty and RealClear Pennsylvania. Follow Guy at @PaSuburbsGuy.