The U.S. political system can feel completely hopeless. Decades of divide, gridlock, polarization, lobbying and political violence weigh on the minds of voters on the left and right. 

Even in one of the most divisive eras in American history, there are a handful of issues where both sides seem to find common ground.  

Data centers have been opposed in small rural communities and metropolitan cities alike. Flock cameras are sawed off and replaced with American flags. People are justifiably upset when their voices are not heard. 

With any political issue, agreement is never universal among a party. Finding consensus can bring both sides of the political spectrum together, demanding accountability from Congress and the president. 

Data centers have existed since the 1940s. Computers have always required physical servers for storage and processing. What has changed is the rapid, almost uninhibited spread of artificial intelligence development. They require massive amounts of water, electricity and land to operate efficiently. Residents nearby feel left out of the planning process, due to tech companies sometimes requiring nondisclosure agreements with local governments.  

There is a clear disconnect between the will of local politicians and the citizens that are forced to endure the consequences of having a data center in their backyard. Town hall meetings in communities are filled with college students and retirees alike, confronting their leaders for allowing data centers to be constructed.  

Mass surveillance is a constant concern among Americans, first brought to public attention in the aftermath of Edward Snowden’s decision to blow the lid on the National Security Agency’s mass collection and tracking of personal data. Flock cameras have brought attention back to the conversation, and both sides of the aisle are equally upset. 

Whether it be isolated cases of police officers using the cameras for personal vendettas, or license plate readers being exposed for also tracking people according to WIRED and 404 media, Americans are justifiably angry with city and state leaders for handing out Flock camera contracts without consulting with their voters. Personal privacy is an issue that reaches across party lines, and the only way to create accountability is working alongside people you might disagree with on 90% of issues. 

With some issues, both sides might agree on an outcome but wildly disagree on the process to get there. Data centers and Flock cameras have presented a unique opportunity where the left and right both agree there needs to be a strict moratorium on contracts until the public’s concerns are met. Partisan politics have not infected the conversation yet, and while people are in agreement they need to take action now. 

There are still many fundamental differences between the left and right in the U.S, and the divide between parties has never been greater. But if we can find issues that both sides agree on and begin to fight upward instead of against each other, we can force lasting change.  

The last thing politicians and the elite want is the American people working together demanding real accountability.