If you have been following the news, or not living under a rock the past year, then you probably know something about the American election, and how it has affected our country today. Whether it be Donald Trump’s outrageous comments, Hilary Clinton’s contentious emails or Bernie Sanders's youth movement, there is no doubt that this election has been one of the most divisive in recent memory. Many times when I read, watch or listen to the news I think about Abraham Lincoln’s speech at the RNC in 1858, where he famously said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” What I mean to say is, from what I’ve observed, this election is driving a deep, perhaps irrevocable wedge through our country, because of how divided we are becoming.
As a young, college, Hispanic voter in a future battleground state, I have been affected by this election on several levels, and I have had my political and social views challenged on numerous occasions. Many of my friends and colleagues profess their commitment for Senator Sanders and have played an important role in his rise as a popular political figure. Other friends of mine express their devotion to Donald Trump, claiming he “doesn’t care about political correctness” or “he tells it like it is.” To add to the confusion, my parents, who have been dedicated Democrats since the '80s, decided to choose Hilary Clinton despite her recent scandal. If that wasn’t enough, my girlfriend has talked to me plenty about her choice, Gary Johnson, and his recent political moves; staging one of the biggest third party up-and-comings since Nader in the Bush vs. Gore election.
With so many different perspectives, candidates, debating, mud slinging, commenting and defending, it can be kind of hard to keep track of your beliefs, let alone everyone else’s. Often times when asked why I like or dislike a particular candidate, I point to their positions on a few key issues. However, most times my personal beliefs don’t line up with any one candidate; this sometimes forces me to choose what issues matter the most to me, assign them to represent what I believe politically as a whole and go from there. I, like many others, am forced to choose a side in a two party system; a system that many feel is unfair.
Besides the personal conflicts that I have faced with this election, the public clashes have been even more controversial. This vote has called into play people’s character, competence and compassion. Even basic things like sanity and civility are questioned. Throw in elaborate issues like Black Lives vs. All Lives Matter, gun control, poverty, ISIS, police brutality, LGBTQ rights, marijuana legalization, foreign policy, immigration, government spending, the environment, jobs, disability rights, renewable energy, health care and abortion and who knows what group anyone fits into on any particular issue. As the first election that I can partake in, it is frustrating to see how divided the political process has become, even by historical standards. I often times wonder whether this country can experience any sort of progress amidst such tendentious times. Even when progress is made, it is either seen as wrong or not progressive enough. It can feel hopeless to make any sort of substantial change.
You may also feel hopeless, despite any of your political beliefs. Expressing yourself in today’s political climate is almost surefire for an intense back-and-forth. It is intimidating to express yourself with the possibility that someone or everyone may disagree with you. You may even feel like you are ostracized or judged for what you believe in politically. Interestingly enough, there is one thing that unites us. It may feel hard to grasp, but in the end we all want the same thing: what we think is best for our country and for the people in it. Everyone’s different perspective is a result of what direction they think our country should go. All the debating, arguing and, yes, even yelling does get old, but take solace in the fact that this country was founded on the principle for everyone to have their beliefs. A democracy functions on people debating their opinions/beliefs and knowing what other people believe in. If we didn’t do that, then we sacrifice our right to choose.
Billions of people all over the world lack this simple power. Whether we like it or not, we choose where our country goes, collectively as a nation. That is why sharing your opinion and listening to others is VITAL for the success of America, no matter how much you may disagree. Men and women died so that we can have this privilege, and all over the world people do not have access to it and flee their residence so that they can be a part of what we have. So no matter how controversial, or hopeless, or seemingly impossible this election may seem, it is the process of our right to choose. If you truly believe in an issue, do not shut people out of it, but talk to them to find the greatest solution. If you shut people out, get too offended to debate or don’t go in with an open mind, then you have forfeited the right to full and free debate. Otherwise you have made a decision to the echo chamber of your existing beliefs.
Keep in mind that this nation does have its flaws. Politics in America have arguably never been more divided than they are now, but that is because we have forgotten about the process that got us this far. I welcome and encourage debate with my friends and family and readily want to talk about politics despite how taboo they may be now. I am always up for a discussion about anything no matter who it is with or what they believe in. I don’t hold grudges against what they think, because I know that every voice matters in this country even if it disagrees with mine. I invite you to encourage these talks with the people you know. Don’t yell and talk over, but debate and listen to what each other has to say. We collectively as a nation must figure out these pressing issues together. This election, we cannot be deaf to the voices of others, especially in the face of such complex and massive issues. Do not forfeit your right to choose, and do not be ignorant of an opposing argument, but, above all, remember that a house divided against itself cannot stand.
