For my entire life, I have been biting my tongue, sitting there quietly while Democrats made me feel bad for being a Republican. It is an issue that surrounds me every day. Most if not all of the time I just nod my head and take it. In fact, I'm willing to bet that a good majority of the people in my life don't even know that I am Republican.

But it's time I stand up for what I believe in, no matter what it costs.

I've often feared speaking out about being a Republican due to the fear of being treated differently. Whether it is at school, with my friends, or at work I always felt like the repercussions were far too large. Even as I write this article right now, I am genuinely scared of what will happen once this gets posted and that's the scariest thing in the world. To be scared of expressing your thoughts in a country that was built on the concept of free speech is unheard of, but yet here we are.

Now I'm not trying to start a war, you are entitled to your opinion, but I believe that a silent majority of people are Republicans or support Republican values. We just don't speak openly about it for fear of judgment. Trump has silently gained millions of dollars for his 2020 campaign. People support clearly support him, but they are scared to admit it because of the hate they get in return. We're not saying that everything Trump has done is correct, but you cannot argue the fact that what he has accomplished in these last four years is remarkable. And the fact that Republicans are scared to express their opinions needs to change. We should not have to live in fear for what we believe in especially when it is supported by evidence of making the country better.

Another thing I want to make very clear here is that just because someone is a Republican does not make them a horrible human being. We are not "racist," "homophobic," or "nazis." We are Americans that love our country, the people in it, and what it stands for.

America is the best country in the world. We pride ourselves on equal rights for all, but yet Republicans face discrimination every day. So next time you want to threaten me about my political views, think about what you are doing and what you are supposed to stand for. You may not like my opinion but you have to respect it, just like I respect yours.