As the Presidential Election of 2016 quickly approaches (3 months, people!), I've been reflecting on the First Amendment and how a manuscript from the 18th century continues to show great relation to our current society. For a brief review in American History, the Constitution added the First Amendment in 1791, which "guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely...[as well as] the right of citizens to assemble peaceably and to petition their government."

I am a proud Independent who tries her best to respect these values. I have friends and family who support both political parties and am greatly inspired by their various beliefs. I am completely open-minded in that I am keeping up with both candidates this year and what they have to offer. Based on MY opinion alone, I will vote for whoever I feel has the potential to be the most successful.

However, I can't help but feel sick to my stomach when I read how violently condescending newspapers, political websites, and, of course, social media, can be. It's quite disturbing how much people from each party can go out of their way to demean those in opposition. The worst abuse comes from tormenting both opponents' spouses, children, and religion.

This is especially prevalent with the media's portrayal of current First Lady Michelle Obama, potential First Lady Melania Trump, and First Daughter Malia Obama. Presidency was not a desire for any of these women, yet they choose to stand by their husbands/father and support his responsibilities as best they can. Regardless of political beliefs, these ladies should be commended for their bravery for stepping onto the universal stage like they have their voices heard. I can't imagine that all of us could take the pressure that they endure on a daily basis. Yet our defensive society primarily chooses to criticize both on their looks, their upbringing, and their authenticity.

Thus, I am seeing a psychologically threatening mentality from both political parties: "If you're not in agreement with our beliefs, then you're damned and your beliefs therefore make you an awful person."

Here's how I see it: it's OK to disagree on how our country should be managed. Disagreement and discord are the pillars to revision that makes our country stronger. Furthermore, you can disagree on an individuals beliefs. However wrong you may believe an opinion to be, everyone should be entitled to their "wrong" opinion. In the end, bolstering the opposing party will not win votes, but it will make our future generation of voters afraid of having their voice be heard, which is precisely what the First Amendment is attempting to protect us from.

I expect criticism about these reflections, but it would only further my point. We live in a scary, violent world, but I personally think that it is even scarier to live in fear of your own convictions.