Count me out.

Growing up, I never imagined I would feel embarrassed or ashamed to be an American. I was proud of this country and what it stood for. Today, however, I find myself struggling to recognize it.

The level of incompetence displayed by our leaders—on both sides of the aisle—is difficult to comprehend. It often feels like we're being governed by people who are disconnected from reality, while everyday Americans are left to deal with the consequences. Political theater has replaced leadership, and the people paying the price are the citizens who simply want a government that functions.

At this point, it seems our government can't even reliably perform some of its most basic responsibilities. Consider the postal service. Delivering the mail was one of the earliest and most fundamental duties of our nation. The United States Postal Service traces its roots back to July 26, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress established a postal system and appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General—making it older than the United States itself.

So what have we become? What do our leaders actually consider important anymore? Your guess is as good as mine. From where I stand, the priorities seem increasingly detached from the needs of ordinary Americans. It's disappointing, frustrating, and, above all, deeply sad.

I've reached a point where I no longer have confidence in the political process as it currently exists. I'll continue to fulfill my obligations as a citizen and pay my taxes, but when it comes to supporting a system that I believe has lost its way, count me out.