For eight years, Republicans decried every single aspect of Barack Obama’s presidency. They argued against every policy decision, every executive order, every day of vacation he took. Republicans would tell you it was because they knew they were right. Democrats cried sour grapes and reveled in the misery of Republicans.

The first six days of Donald Trump’s presidency have born an eerily striking resemblance if Republicans and Democrats were to trade shoes.

For those who still choose to spend much time on social media, the various available platforms have provided insight into the worst of who we are as a society and as a nation. Each side of the political debate is absolutely convinced the other is the root of the entire world’s evil and is willing to declare so in the most unvarnished of terms. Civil discourse is at an all-time low. Intolerance for differing opinions is at an all-time high.

The truth is, neither side is entirely wrong, as certainly as neither side is entirely right.

The fact of the matter is that both parties, both sides, have had their turn at the wheel. And both parties, both sides, had their hands on the wheel when our country veered off the side of the bridge. Not a surprising outcome really, considering that both drivers were pulling as hard as they could in different directions.

The reality is that both sides are now in the river together, and our nation is taking on water.

To continue battling for control of the wheel is both a foolish and pointless effort. The only way to get our heads above water is to help one another reach the surface. Any effort short of that will surely see us all drown.