On Thursday, July 22, Cleveland wrapped up its first national convention since the 1930's. And of course, in typical Cleveland fashion, it had the pleasure of hosting for one of the most controversial elections (and candidates) in history.

I couldn't pass up this opportunity to see just what the Republican National Convention had in store for my beloved hometown, and was relieved to see it free of violence, excessive protests and terrorism. (In fact, only two dozen protest-related arrests were reported).

It was interesting to see delegates from Georgia, Vermont and California, as well as out-of-state police officers from Michigan and Florida. People sporting press badges from CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News smiled as they hurried along the streets. The Washington Post was set up right alongside the vendors, and most of the journalists were casually talking among the rest of us. MSNBC even shot their show live in the middle of a side street near Playhouse Square.

Many of the people involved in the RNC actually stopped to shake hands with some of us everyday citizens making our rounds around town. I can genuinely say I was pleased by how kind everyone was, and how supportive people were of the extra police force -- many of whom were volunteers from all across the country.

However, it wasn't the people involved with the RNC that were the problem for me. It was the Trump supporters who made me feel like a traitor in my own city.

You see, I was a liberal surrounded by some of my worst fears as I walked streets lined with Donald Trump merchandise: everything from his famous line of "Make America Great Again" to "Hillary for Prison" to ridiculous apparel, buttons and hats with his face plastered all over.

It was a never-ending sea of Trump Trump Trump. And I had never been so disappointed in my life.

I am not a person who enjoys getting wrapped up in political debates, especially ones pertaining to Donald Trump (or Drumpf, as I like to call him); but I can't keep quiet about this one.

Like I said, I was pleasantly surprised at how peaceful the convention was. I was relieved to feel safe after there was such a scare over the violence that was projected to occur. But the Trump supporters were so adamant about their loyalty to the Republican nominee that so much as a disapproving sideways glance got them all riled up.

Sure, there was no physical violence, but that didn't stop the verbal shitshow that was the Donald J. Trump voter population.

Overall, I am proud to say Cleveland hosted a fine convention filled with kind politicians who were there to do their jobs. As for the Trump candidacy, I pray that voters realize America will only be great if the people in it are great themselves.

Check out more photos here: (all photos taken by author)

http://cmuscaro.wixsite.com/rncincleveland