"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The 2016 election has made history by dividing the country in ways that no one could have imagined. In result of the polar opposite views of the candidates, we have begun to ostracize those who have different political beliefs than ourselves and have painted anyone with differences negatively. The rest of the world is on their toes as the rising tensions in America begin to tear down hundreds of years of progress made towards a unified nation. They sit patiently waiting to see the the country self-destruct with hatred and division, for it to move towards a state of anarchy rather than unification and pride.

America is known across the world as a place of opportunity, where no matter your race, gender, ethnicity, or anything that makes you who you are can prevent you from contributing and succeeding. Diversity is what creates the quintessential country-- cultural contributions and differences in opinion are what make a society thrive. It allows for growth and advancements, as well as creates an environment of strength and compassion for every citizen. The beauty of America is within our differences and how we have had the ability throughout history to work with these and truly become a united country.

Instead of focusing on who we are as Americans, we are focusing on what are the textbook definitions of the differences in the two major political parties and taking them and running in different directions. Instead of a healthy debate, we are playing a game of "who is better than who." When we find a difference, we label it as a flaw.

Regardless of if we end up with a President Clinton or a President Trump, it is important for a country so highly regarded by the rest of the world and as a country who has worked for hundreds of years to become so beautiful and indivisible that we accept our decision as Americans and work together to retain our great unity. We cannot let our anger over the result of the election grow into a split within our great nation, as we have seen in within history, allowing it to tear down a country and reduce it into something fragile and unproductive. As Americans and humans, it is our duty to respect and bolster one another so that we can thrive.

Please, after we have chosen our next President, do not harbor anger over our differences, but use the results as a catalyst to keep our great country united. An American is an American, no matter what they look like or how they think, and it is our American duty to keep a country so influential and strong as is.

Note: I would like to express my gratitude to Danny Stewart of the University of Missouri for helping my thought process flow while writing this piece and contributing ideas.