Right now, our nation is more divided than ever before. The country is in shambles, the promise of America has been broken, and an unprecedented strain has been placed on our political system. In this hour of darkness, America needs an old friend– or perhaps two old friends, united as one musical act. Only by reuniting the incomparable folk rock duo Simon and Garfunkel can we finally heal the wounds of this divided nation.

 

Think about it: Simon and Garfunkel are beloved by all, and their on-again-off-again artistic partnership since their breakup in 1970 has coincided with nothing but agony. Our political parties have grown further apart, race relations have continued to sour, and the threat of terrorism has only increased. You might describe this agony as "troubled water," and American society as without a bridge to cross it. Simon and Garfunkel were that bridge, and they can be that bridge again. 

 

It's true that Simon and Garfunkel have not altogether stopped performing. As recently as 2010, the two artists performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. But this did not constitute a true reunion of the duo. Our country cannot go on living in a state a suspense, constantly wondering whether and when Simon and Garfunkel will reunite for good. It only contributes to our national nervous breakdown.

 

Some might say that Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel are each good artists in their own right, and that they should be allowed to continue to casually collaborate whenever they feel like it. Sure, Simon has had a storied solo career, full of hits like "You Can Call Me Al" and "Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard." And Garfunkel– well, let's not talk about him too much. These people discount the sheer power of their union, as well as overrate Paul Simon's more experimental work.

 

Other detractors might say that the reunion of two elderly singer-songwriters cannot possibly solve such intractable problems as systemic racism, partisan polarization, and institutionalized violence. But have those detractors ever heard the song "America"? It's quite a poignant song, especially when Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel sing it synchronously. Just imagine if Simon and Garfunkel performed "America" in front of a Joint Session of Congress. Tears would run down the cheeks of every congressperson, and maybe we could finally achieve peace.

 

We might all be different, but we've all come to look for America, and we can't do it without Simon and Garfunkel, reunited once and for all.