This week, we as a country are taking on a new President. Some are mad and upset while others are excited to welcome him into office. No matter how you feel this week make sure you are taking everyone's feelings into account and not just the people that think like you.

Over this winter break I have been able to speak with some of my friends on the other side of the spectrum. What I have learned from them is that we aren't so different. We both want our opinions to be respected and heard. When it comes to politics we all need to be able to see the other side and not hate on it. I am not saying to not have your feelings and your opinions but when you are expressing them don't personally attack another person.

Being a republican during this election I have been personally attacked for my views just as I know many liberals have been attacked for theirs. It feels like we all need to go back to that golden rule from kindergarten, treat others the way you want to be treated. Saying no offense before offending someone isn't okay. There are ways of explaining your points of views without tearing others down about theirs. For example,I have said in classes before that the way I was raised has lead me to my political beliefs however I understand that others have had different experiences than me and may not think the same as I do.

When I turn on the TV I see a lot of channels playing the blame game. Fox News says it's the democrats who are wrong while CNN is saying the same thing about the republicans. No one is wrong. They just have different ideas on what should happen in the political system. However big media like this does cause to further political parties since most people do like to hear that they are right and the other side is wrong, which is why you don't see many democrats watching Fox News and vice versa.

It is alright for others to think differently. No one needs anyone's permission to think a certain way. Quite honestly I want to have friends that don't think the same way as I do because it opens me up to different perspectives on issues that I might not even realize. It still doesn't mean I have to agree with them but at least I can understand and respect their stance. That is something I think this country could use a little bit more of right now no matter what side you stand on.