By writing this article, I, alongside thousands of others, am validating this political absurdity as a legitimate topic of discussion. Whether out of laziness, apathy, or fear of backlash, my stance has been (relatively) silent opposition. However, as we are nearing the seven-month marker of his campaign, I can no longer maintain my silence. I have no interest in party-bashing or endorsing. The issue, whose name is Donald Trump, is neither Democratic nor Republican: Donald Trump is an issue for the entire spectrum of American politics.

I’m not here to discuss the overwhelming amount of controversial things Trump has said in his lifetime (BuzzFeed can help you out there). I’m attempting to explain the implications of someone like Trump entering our political stage. As a super power and the unofficial international police, it cannot be argued that American politics is scrutinized throughout the world. Within a year of assuming office, President Barack Obama was named first on Forbes’ list of the World’s Most Powerful People, mainly for the influence he has over world affairs as a result of his position. With that said, the position of the United States President is more important than we initially realize. The US President not only holds significant power over what happens to our country, but has influence on international security and the global economy as well. The position of president needs to be taken seriously, not only by whoever wins the election, but by everyone who exercises their right to vote.

Whether you know his name from his real estate developments, beauty pageants, or "The Apprentice," Trump needs no introduction. While he has been many things in his lifetime, a president should not be one of them. There are many directions I could take this discussion. I could critique his sexist remarks. I could tear apart his campaign on the basis of having no political experience, amongst other things. I could predict what life during Trump’s hypothetical presidency would really be like. However, it’s not so much his campaign that concerns me; it’s Trump’s lack of empathy and his overall attitude toward people who are different than him, as well as his questionable goals for our nation, that truly terrify me.

I do not believe Trump’s honesty is refreshing or effective. His attempts to “tell it like it is” are nothing more than narrow-minded remarks that perpetuate divisive attitudes in a nation that is increasingly becoming more diverse. His proposed plans for his presidency are far-fetched, unrealistic promises that he will most likely not be able to keep in the event that he assumes office. We have all seen politicians fail to keep their word, and I wonder why people believe Trump when he proposes ideas like “building a wall” on our southern border “paid for by the Mexican government” and placing bans on people based on religion. Furthermore, Trump’s association with the Republican Party will only cause more polarization within our nation’s political system. If we think the failure to compromise is bad enough now, I fear for what our political parties will potentially look like under the control of this man. Instead of squabbling over how much you agree or disagree with Trump’s political standpoints, consider how successful previous leaders have been with building walls along borders and banning people of particular religions (20th century Germany, for example). This could be what we’re looking at for our the future of our country, though that’s assuming Trump becomes president and follows through on all his plans.

In conclusion, I ask you to take out any divisive aspect of politics. We are all Americans, and American politics influences so much more than just our domestic sphere. If our elected politicians are a representation of who we are, what do we want to look like to the rest of the world? Do we want our nation’s leader to appear level-headed and respectful, or unpredictable and hateful? Is this how we want to display our political system? Many factors need to be considered when choosing a competent leader for our nation, but character cannot not and should not be easily dismissed. Above all, I hope those who read this get out and vote, and vote for someone who will continue to strengthen our melting pot’s foundation of human rights and acceptance. To everyone who can vote, please help make America great again, and consider ignoring Donald Trump’s political absurdity.