As a first time voter in this election, I was very excited to finally have my voice heard in this country. Instead, my experience was brutal reading all the horrible posts on social media throughout the election, and getting scolded when I would share my political views with somebody who disagreed. As we close the books on this heated election, there is much controversy on whether or not Trump will be a good fit for the presidency of the United States. While most can agree neither candidate was ideal, many people continue to be very one sided with who they voted for- even with the election being over and done. That said, many are voicing their opinions on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. While everyone does have the right to voice their opinions due to freedom of speech, it is clear that the country is divided. Where is the respect?

Throughout this election process, there have been numerous fights, hurtful social media posts and harsh name calling that quickly took all of America’s values our country worked long and hard for, and destroyed them. Instead of accepting and celebrating the election of our new president, some people have chosen fighting, complaining and protesting. No matter if you love or hate Donald Trump, there is no use in spreading hate towards Trump himself, and others around you. Loved or hated, all people deserve to be treated fairly and with true, genuine respect. A saying all learned in their childhood age, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say it at all”. Whether you are happy, disappointed, worried, or mad with how this election played out, Donald Trump will be the president of the United States of America for the next four years, and everyone needs to accept that. Obviously for some it is going to be harder to accept than others, but our country needs to come together as one and respect our future president just like we all should respect each other. You have the choice to look on the brighter side of things or to look on the negative. Unfortunately, much of America is shooting right toward the negatives, and not bringing up any of the great, positive things that could come from this election.

While this election has been one heck of a mess, America truly needs to come together as one with love and respect, and accept what is happening. Back in 2009 when President Obama was elected, he said, “Elections have consequences, and at the end of the day, I won.” (According to Real Clear Politics) That same situation applies today as Trump is getting so much hate, but he won the election and will serve as President of the United States for the next 4 years. Instead of looking at this time as a downfall in our country, let’s take this time to start a movement of respect for ourselves, our future President, and our country as a whole. Respect all.