Over two weeks ago, America elected a new president. This new president's not who anyone really expected him to be. I think it's safe to say most, if not all, of America was shocked when Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton.

This election has proved to have one of the most controversial outcomes in our recent history, an arguable second to the election of the esteemed Mr. Lincoln (remember, the whole South split away from the Union after he was elected).

Hollywood has resorted to immaturity; SNL has proven to be ludicrous in its representation of our president-elect. Granted, there were quite a few jokes and a bit of controversy surrounding Obama when he was elected; I don't remember it being like this. In fact, I specifically remember my father saying that he may not like the man sitting in the Oval Office, but he would give due respect to the position, if nothing else.

All that being said, I want to continue by saying how much I miss Mayberry. By Mayberry, I'm referring back to a simpler time; a time when people might not have agreed, but they loved each other regardless.

A time when people loved America not for what they could get from her, but because of what she meant to the world and to her citizens. Lady Liberty still represents the ideals put forth in our Constitution, the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and no republican or democrat will ever be able to change that.

Speaking of politicians, I miss when the president and those elected used to be the best and most wholesome men in their areas, back before "career politicians" used to be a thing. George Washington did not even want the presidency, but everyone felt as though he would be the best for the job, so he accepted and ran.

I miss the time when there wasn't a whole lot of difference between the RNC and DNC (possibly back before they were even in existence). It's a shame that the reputation in Congress is that "nothing gets done." Neither side is willing to make compromise, and democrats are just as much at fault as republicans, and vice versa.

I miss the times when people could walk down the street and wave at everyone, including random strangers. Instead of people fearing being robbed by their neighbors, they invited them over for Sunday dinner. Instead of people being able to make a killing off of panhandling (even more than I make at my job), people were more motivated to work and earn for their families.

I miss when there was good news on the radio, like "Law is Passed to Help Children Get a Better Education" instead of "More Police Officers Ambushed," or "Terrorist Attack in _______."

I miss a time when the media didn't distort the truth of stories to fit their agenda (and I'm target ALL media sources, especially including Fox, CNN, and MSNBC).

Maybe I am fantasizing the past a little bit, but the events that have characterized the last few years are unlike anything most Americans, including those who founded this great country of ours, could ever have imagined. I hope the future holds a return to those rights and liberties, that foundation that made our nation so strong. Yes, the past has had its trials and mistakes. Thankfully, though, it is in the past, and something that we can learn from and then MOVE ON.

I might miss Mayberry, but my idealism drives me to believe that there is a better future for us than the one we are making right now.