If you think the environment now in Washington is toxic, then sad to say, you don’t know much about the history of ‘toxicity’ in our political capitol – even before it was located in D.C., back before it involved ten paces, ’seconds’ and bullets.

From the first ‘political party’, the ‘Republicans’ of Jefferson, to the first true party (as we know it now) the ‘Democrats’ of Andrew Jackson, the single most concurrent factor through all of it is ‘opposition.’

Remember, we began and functioned in our early years as a single party, the Federalists. Would we have reached any decisions if two parties existed there at the beginning?

In fact, the means by which we ‘disagree’, the very ideal and tradition of opposition was created via the parties themselves. A “party” being simply the vehicle for opposition. With one ‘faction’ in power, the other had to ‘unite’ common sentiment and general disagreement – as thus the political party was formed.

“Opposition” and “obstruction” have been political tools of the minority in all the ages, against even the most regal and respected, save Washington himself. Yes, save Washington, who achieved a sort of diety status in his own lifetime.

Not so for others. From Sally Hemmings to Rachel Jackson to Watergate, we can pinpoint various moments in US political history and find that the mud was just as thick, if not thicker. And no one was spared.

Andrew Jackson’s wife died shortly before his inauguration from, as many have speculated, the weight of the brutal campaign waged by his opponent, John Quincy Adams. Yes, it was so vicious as to be held historically responsible for the death of the annointed First Lady.

American heroes, hallowed men, who now grace our money and art, were once derided as traitors, adulterers and criminals in the public square – in appalling fashion. In fact, one drew so much ire he was killed for it…by the sitting Vice President of the United States.

For going on twenty years Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers, threw slime at his opponent, Aaron Burr, until it all climaxed with the destruction of both lives and careers on the shores of New Jersey when Burr, the VP at the time, mortally wounded Hamilton in a duel – continuing proof that nothing good happens on the Jersey shore.

Ultimately, we need to step back from our PC-ness for one second and embrace the inner politician – the type of which would meet on the shore, to defend every ounce of their honour.

We deride our politicians for playing the game of politics yet vote them out if they do not play it well. Wtf? True politics is the art of compromise, of narrative and oratory, of representation with taxation, of leadership and courage. It means being American in the truest and most sparkling sense, for the betterment of all.

Because it is not the game that needs redefinition, no, we need to figure out what “politics” means to us and U.S. Is it a dirty word or not?

We need to decide and then let our representatives know, they don’t seem to get it either. But at least, for the moment, let them fling their arms about, I’m still a believer that the cream rises to the top.

And if not, I’m all for bringing back the duel to get it done. Sure, you can still say what you want about the President but then you should be prepared to defend it with your life, on the shore, with your second and the chosen pistols at ten paces.