I don't know how to feel about my country.

I've been trying to title this article and I keeping coming back to the very sentiments that now categorize this piece as a political op ed, oh boy.

To be honest I've been feeling incredibly discouraged lately. The political climate is everything I wished it would never become. Reminiscent of something in a WWII documentary, the actions of my government feel obtrusive. It feels like as a nation we are taking a giant step back after so many wonderful strides forward in the past.

I guess the idea struck me when a few friends and myself attended a university basketball game recently. As per usual sporting event procedure, everyone was asked to stand as the national anthem was played. Now I've taken part in this gesture dozens of times in my life and this was the first time that I felt hesitant to salute my flag. I glanced over to my friend and she confirmed the same reluctant sentiments. So as I stood there with my hand on my heart listening to the familiar music, I felt fake.

Now don't get me wrong. I respect the flag and my country along with those who bravely fight and continue to fight for my freedoms, but it simply feels different. I used to feel a certain amount of pride in my country, but as of late I can't find very many reasons to do so.

Now I'm one of those people you'll find casually watching CNN on the elliptical at the gym or harassing my family members with political issues any chance I get. So to find me silent about current political events is a rarity. And yet, I find myself cringing anytime I see a headline on Twitter about the President's actions. In full disclosure, I feel a bit helpless. Unfortunately, the hesitancy I feel is not solely from those who support the actions of the current government. Sadly, individuals who share my same political ideals have gone too far. The current presidency has brought out an unprecedented amount of violence and hate that I never could never have imagined. It would appear that both sides have lost sight of the ultimate goal of persuading individuals with rhetoric and peaceful protest, rather than resorting to violent means, which rarely promotes lasting results. The point I keep returning to over these past few weeks is this: to truly "make America great again" we need to have a united nation. And as of now, this is the most divided I've ever witnessed in modern times. Sadly, complaining about the people's protesting and rebellion on Twitter isn't doing much to unite the nation, President Trump.

I want to be proud to be an American again, not apologize for it.