Although I do encourage everyone to get out there and vote on or before this upcoming election (November 8th!), I am so ready for it to be OVER. As a millennial, this is my first time voting for President of the United States. It should be exciting, and I wish I was more excited than I actually am to have a new president--but I am not, and because of this election, I have a new view of the world around me.
To start of with a little background of my political preference, I would like to inform you that I am not a Democrat nor am I a Republican. I believe these parties were put into place to separate us and distract us from focusing on the real issues while compromising our society. I vote as an Independent, and vote for who I really think has our countries' people in their best interest. The only person I clearly saw this from was Bernie Sanders. Say what you will about Socialism and all that other crap, but the truth is, he had our best interest in mind and also focused on the real issues.
"But the taxes would go up way too high!" or "His plans are just fairy tales!" These are prime examples of most of the complaints I endured when rooting for the cute old man. Something about him gave me hope and raised so many questions in my mind.
Regardless of who anyone votes for, why am I paying $45,000+ to go to school to make only $35,000 a year? (Not to mention I'm relearning most of high school and paying $400 for books each semester I never have to open). Why do the rich have so much more power, and why are we letting them get their hands on such excessive amounts of money while others struggle? (We live in a system where you can move up, but some people are given great advantages). Should their be a limit on the distribution of wealth? Why would it be a crime to have universal healthcare? If we pay taxes and healthcare separately right now, would it not make sense for some of our taxes to start benefiting ourselves considering we already help other people? Why, in such a wealthy and sophisticated society, do we still have uneducated people who don't know that there are still underprivileged communities and don't understand that not every situation is "black and white"?... There is such a thing as white privilege, just because you don't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there. So many issues I had never given a thought about before suddenly concerned me and I wanted to do something about it.
The media likes to cover Hillary's e-mail scandals, and accusations of Trump sexually harassing women... They hardly get down to the real nitty-gritty issues. Young people especially, and many older generations as well, literally believe anything they read. Many people know nothing about the candidates policies. Once in a while I get back onto Facebook and see more false accusations, unintelligible sources being shared, and fighting over who is going to run our country. We all have done it; I for sure have. But this election has also helped me grow. I have realized that I no longer want to be divided and a sheep. I am terrified of what is going to come from this election once all of the votes are in, but I will be so relieved once it's over. If there is one good thing I can take out of this election, it is that I am now fully aware of my part and how to use my power.
Why is there so much hate towards each other based on our opinions and beliefs? We call each other nasty names, judge one another, and even stop associating with people because of it. This election has brought out the absolute worse in us and I am more ashamed of us as the people rather than the bickering candidates. The fact is, we cannot keep ignoring when Hillary or Trump does something illegal. It is much more than just "saying mean things." We are putting all of our energy into deciding who will get to rule us, that we are forgetting how to be decent human beings. These are people just like us, they are not running for the role of God, but simply a president who still has to submit all of their ideas for approval. Just because they promise something, does not mean it will happen. Their character and ability to have a civil and respectful conversation is also very important.
Let me suggest to you something. Educate yourself in all areas; take a sociology class to learn about diversity, learn about the candidates, think about why others feel the way they do instead of only yourself. Spread the knowledge, don't force it upon others or make them feel like you dislike them for having different thoughts. Lastly, do your part. Help in the community, stay informed on the current events; and the least you can do is vote. Remember that there are more than just two parties! Make your voice heard, because even though this election sounds like a big joke, it is very serious. Once it is finally over, we will have to accept whoever is our newest president, and at that time hopefully we can recover and begin to unite once again.
