What a long, heated and all-consuming campaign! What will we all be watching, listening to and talking about when we find out who the President of the U.S.A. will be for the next four years?
I enjoy politics, yet I’m not political. I love my country, though I have a universal heart. I believe in freedom, democracy and a united nation – and sadly, I’ve not seen much of this over this past year.
We have experienced the best and worst of people. Social media has given us an immediate means to voice our opinions – and disappointingly, there have been more destructive than constructive posts. There has been violence and looting masquerading as a cause. Our freedom has been challenged because it’s been ok to support one side, but not the other. The global pandemic has not helped. I’m sure people are more on edge, disgruntled, afraid and more, thus inciting a complexity of irrational reactions. It’s been exhausting for most in a plethora of ways.
No matter how you feel about this election or politics in general, I hope that you vote – or voted. It’s not only our right, it’s our civic duty and a privilege to do so. We can make a difference and should never think that our vote doesn’t count. We don’t count when we don’t vote. We don’t count when we complain about what’s happening in our country yet go about our life and let others resolve it. We don’t count when we passively sit on the sidelines, hoping and wishing for change.
In some ways, I’m a definite traditionalist and when it comes to voting, I am an in person, vote on the day of election gal. There is an excitement. There is a buzz in the air. And if masks and social distancing decrease our risk of contracting COVID-19, then there is no reason not to experience that same rush of enthusiasm and energy today as we would any other election day. So I will head out, masked and sanitized, to do my civic duty. I will stand in line, six-feet apart, and join the other traditionalists – safely.
But my one wish today, no matter what the election outcome, is that we unite as Americans and treat each other with kindness. That any upset will be shared respectfully. That violence will not erupt. That civil unrest will be put to bed. That businesses will be safe from looting. That family, friends or colleagues won’t be lost due to bitterness and resentment for having opposing views. That blame is replaced with action and accountability. That hate is replaced with tolerance. That ignorance is replaced with listening and understanding. That we will find a way back to civility and dignity through the way we conduct ourselves as human beings each day.
And finally, that we will support each other no matter what the outcome of today’s election.
Well said. Couldn’t agree more.