Yes, I am conservative, and I'm open about it, because I live in America and I should be able to do that. Yes, I am voting for Trump, and no I am not racist, sexist, or homophobic, and yes I am, in fact, a woman. While I am not thrilled with this candidate, I will always vote for the candidate who best fits what I personally want for our country, and not voting is not an option for me. But this article is not to explain my voting decision, but rather to express how frustrated this election makes me, and so many others.
From my perspective, as a conservative college student, it feels like anyone can express their beliefs on this election except people who think like me. I know many other people struggle with this same problem. Why can't we, as Americans have the open-minded, accepting attitude that Hilary Clinton and her supporters preach?
I don't care who you are voting for, and I also don't care about what you believe in. If you are voting for Hilary, good for you. Go ahead and plaster the stickers on your car, put the sign in your lawn, and make Facebook statuses about it. I encourage YOU to vote for the candidate that best fits your beliefs, and I will not question your intelligence or embarrass you on social media because of your political views. I will listen to you, and try to understand your decision.
But the problem is, why can't I put a Trump sign in my lawn or express that I am voting for him without being asked if I am an "idiot," if I'm, "stupid," or a, "racist." Yes, I have been asked all of these. While I can understand why people have these hostile feelings towards Trump, the hostility towards Trump supporters is unfair, in a country based on "open-mindedness," "acceptance," and, "freedom." No, Donald Trump has not had a picture perfect past history, and I do not question that – but neither has Hilary Clinton and every time I use that argument, I am dismissed and ignored.
I am not a politician, and I never will be, but I am an American and a voter. What I want for this country is for us to be able to listen to each other, and listen to each other more than we listen to the corrupt mainstream media. I am tired of going on Facebook every day and seeing the hostility between friends and family about their political views. Using first amendment rights is something that I will always be for, but the hostility I see because of this election every day makes me cringe. If we all expressed our feelings and beliefs, and maybe just tried to understand where our peers are coming from, we could have a peaceful election. That being said, I hope you vote this November for the person that will fight for what you want to see in this Country. Next time someone expresses an opposing view, just listen, be accepting, and most of all just be kinda like you were taught to do in pre-school. There is no room for this type of hostility in a country that was built off of the concept of freedom.
