As this is written, it is a day before America’s 250th birthday. While Americans are currently in a celebratory mood, I think about the next few months. Midterm elections will bring political attack ads, candidate arguments, intense debates at dinner tables, and heightened rhetoric.

Thinking about it makes me exhausted. But, that sort of messiness is what our Constitution guarantees. We should remember that political parties—despite George Washington’s warning against them—always existed from the very beginning and they will continue to exist.

Let us celebrate our right to messy political affairs. But, party loyalties may cause the downfall of America. So let us continue our messy politics, but also remember moderation.