Politics, politics politics! It's something no one wants to talk about, yet we are completely immersed in the political realm. It seems as though the Presidential Election is being thrown in our faces around every corner, whether it's from advertisements or from ranting citizens. Honestly, it's actually difficult to avoid a heated debate with those surrounding you. Isn't that fascinating?

Years ago, I never would have thought that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump would be the ideal candidates to represent my country. Seriously, why? Within the 2016 Presidential Election, America has never seen an election that lacks such decorum, respect, and rational reasoning. Similarly, it forces our citizens to question, is this America? Are these the people that truly represent our morals and values? Honestly, it is a blend, there are individuals that view Trump and Clinton as absurd, but there are also others that praise their words and defend any of their arguments. While certain individuals proudly follow their future leader, many recognize that Clinton and Trump have serious flaws.

I find it astonishing that so many individuals are either in favor of Clinton or Trump. It's not that their beliefs are wrong, I just never thought the people I knew, and what they stand for, would be able to support individuals such our presidential candidates. Trapped in this mindset, I was convinced that people shared a similar opinion as my own, which was that Captain Jack Sparrow could sail the Black Pearl better than Trump or Clinton could successful lead our country. That assumption proved wrong. On the night of the debate, I looked around at my friends and family and realized their dramatic behavior. It wasn't a calm scenario in which we discussed issues with intellect and reservations. Instead, people were shouting at the TV screen and supporting the obnoxious behavior being publicized. In a sense, I was disappointed. These people were figures I idolized and often sought out advice from, especially with political topics. It forced myself to question, do these values that Clinton and Trump advocate truly represent our society? These entertainment antics that the candidates portray ultimately gave America what it wants.

However, it would be wrong to simply assume that our current presidential candidates accurately represent the ENTIRE society. Many people within American, including myself, are completely baffled that the Presidential Election has stooped to such a low level of berating the opponent and immature election tactics. I've reflected on myself and held on hard to the views to ensure I don't fall victim to societal pressures. Many others feel the same. We want America back. We want the America where everyone gathered around the T.V. to watch "American Idol" or felt inspired after listening to the President's speech. Not the America where issues of racism, terrorism, and the security of our country plague the media. It's terrifying to see the actions that people have resorted to during these recent years. We've turned our backs on each other, just like the Presidential candidates.

This isn't America and while I am proud to be an American, it is depressing to recognize the direction our country is currently headed. Clearly, our Presidential Election sheds insight towards our country's true values. American needs to change, but it isn't Trump's responsibility to "Make American Great Again." It is my responsibility and yours. It is time to not only recognize our faults but make the necessary changes to have a country -- a country where people are proud to stand for the National Anthem, no matter the circumstances.