I am a proud American, and a huge part of what makes this country so amazing is the freedom granted to her occupants. We are so lucky and so very blessed to have the opportunities that we receive because of those willing to fight for them. And with this freedom, comes responsibility. If you are over the age of 18 and are a citizen of the United States, then it is your duty to vote, and you likely will this coming November. And this year in particular, we each have some important decisions to make. This year is obviously an election year, which means debate, rallies and campaigning. Which would normally be a predictable part of an election year. This year though, we face an entirely different beast: Radical Americans.

This election season has brought on more violence in regards to the election than any other I have seen in my lifetime. The aggression and violence at rallies is pointless and counterintuitive. Both parties, both sides; left, right, Democrat, Republican, Hillary and Trump supporters alike, must accept this: The hatred and violence towards each other will not change anyone’s minds. If someone threw eggs at me or yelled hateful slurs, I certainly wouldn’t be ready to jump on board with their ideas. If anything, this violence will only add fuel to the fire that will tear this country in two.

What do you do if two children are arguing? Do you instruct them to yell and beat their chests until the other backs down? No, you teach them to use their words, and come to a peaceful settlement. I’m not suggesting that we all have to like whomever becomes president or be particularly happy about the result. But I am suggesting that we all make the active decision to deal with this election as adults. Because here’s the thing; someone will win this presidential race. And when that happens, we all have two choices: either accept the choice that the majority of the nation has made, or pack up and leave.

I may be young and I am far from having all of the answers. But in regards to this issue I am not blinded by all of the loud political opinions being yelled around me constantly. I think we are all capable of seeing the danger that our current attitudes toward this election poses on our nation. This election season is not about a campaign. It is not about a debate. And it is not even about a peaceful disagreement. This election season, the United States is facing it’s second Civil War. Let’s change our behavior now. We get to vote. We get to have a say. Let’s be thankful that we get to cast our vote on the matter and recognize that some are not so lucky. And let’s choose to handle this election year with respect towards one another and towards our country. And if you really can’t live with whomever wins the title of President, I heard the housing market in Australia is doing quite well this year.