As we all know this 2016 election has been one of the things that has been ongoing in this crazy year filled with memes, mourning a gorilla, and massive celebrities dying. We now have made history by electing our oldest and first sitting President who has never held a political office before. Now this election has also made history by having the first woman run for president which is a huge step for women in this country, who 100 years ago still could not vote.

But also in the midst of making history, this election seems to have brought out the worst in Americans. I'm personally stunned by the number of hateful words going around about certain groups of people and the protests of the election resultsthat have gotten out of hand. As Americans we are allowed to speak our minds and protest peacefully but what I'm seeing on either side of the political spectrum is not what the Founding Fathers meant by these freedoms they fought for.

I personally don't care who you voted for because you have a right to an opinion which is why this country is so amazing. However, for those who are expressing their opinions through recent hate crimes against others that is very sad. America is supposed to be free and hopefully safe for everyone who wants to come here for a better life no matter race, religion, sexual orientation, or level of ability.

A hashtag going around says "Love Trumps Hate" which is absolutely true. Now that President-elect Trump will assume office I hope that he will address the wrongness of these viral waves of hate. If you want to "Make America Great Again" hate should not be your weapon of choice, you should be more inclusive and accepting of the diversity this wonderful nation has prided itself on.

I'm not trying to make this article political because honestly who isn't tired of political posts this year? However I do want to raise an awareness in my fellow citizens that will encourage them to love others around them because it seems like America needs love now more than ever. As a student of history, I know what the extremes of hate can cause and no one should want to be part of the reason things like that happen.

Love trumps hate. We are a nation of the people, by the people, for the people that shall not parish from the Earth.We represent the Stars and Stripes, a symbol of freedom many take comfort in. We scream the Star Spangled Banner at the top of our lungs because we are so proud an anthem of its power is a symbol of our country. We embrace diversity. We fight hate.

We are America, and the day we forget that, we will cease to exist.