This election season has brought many passionate emotions from individuals all over the country. Thankfully we live in a country where people have the right to express their support in any way they want whether it be on social media or by putting up signs in their yard or a sticker on their belongings. What people should not be doing is trying to harm somebody or steal items because you do not agree with that opinion.

Last week I was studying in the library at Lamar University and had to leave my things unattended for maybe two minutes while I used the bathroom. I had done this multiple times in the past and never had an incident, so I didn’t see the need to pack up all my things just to go use the bathroom. I come back from my short break and nothing seems out of place until I packed to go home. That is when I noticed that the sticker that had been on my computer for more than a month had suddenly disappeared, stolen by in my brief absence.

To say that I was mad is an understatement. How dare somebody take something off my computer, my personal property, just because they do not agree with it. I understand completely if you want to have a discussion with me about it and I am all for it, but this is completely different- you do not get to steal due to different opinions and think it is okay.

After that little incident I went online and bought another one. Every single time that sticker is stolen it just means that I will go online and buy another. Every stolen sticker means more money going towards the campaign the thief opposes so much, every stolen sticker strengthens my resolve to show my support for the candidate.

I am not the only one who has been targeted for my political views so far this election season. After putting up Hillary signs in their yard, a Richardson, Texas couple, had to endure weeks of harassment and multiple stolen signs. This harassment reached a new level when their [dog was poisoned and killed] due to their support for Clinton. Nobody should have to put up with such treatment from others because of a belief they hold as long as it is not harming anyone.

I may not particularly like seeing so many Trump bumper stickers around campus, and I might even laugh and roll my eyes at them. But I do support people expressing their opinions in a healthy way and others being able to let it happen because it is their right. You do not have to agree on everything to be civil to one another.