What America Lacks | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

What America Lacks

And it is not all the things that Trump or Clinton said

222
What America Lacks
Christ Our Redeemer Church

In light of recent events, many Americans took to their preferred social media platform to express their views and opinions on the concrete fact that Donald Trump is our President-elect. There is certainly no lack of opinionated people in this country: protests have erupted, friendships have been broken and families have been divided... all for the sake of standing one's ground.

But what does the hatred accomplish, alienating people from one another? Nothing. With emotions spilling from mind to screen or phone, people do not take the time to think about how to fully express their views. Because of the lack of forethought, the internet has turned from a place of connections and entertainment to a place of stress and heartbreak. It's no surprise the rest of the world think Americans to be so rude, angry and uncivilized, especially during elections: look at what we have to say for ourselves. Look at how we act and carry ourselves. Google anything regarding Trump, Clinton, or the election and you will find a dramatic internet showdown anywhere.


Donald Trump is supposed to make America great again, as per his slogan. That means that America has fallen from it's standards somehow, and we need to ask:
why do we need to make America great again?
How did we get here?
What has happened to the image people carry when they think of the land of the free?

There are quite a few answers, ranging from poor decisions made by the leadership of our past to the actions of a local shooting, but I think a majority comes down to one simple statement:

What America lacks is grace.

It is not becoming to call candidates or voters slurs or names. It is not becoming to ignore one candidate's mistakes and exploit another's. It is not becoming to denounce a President Elect when they have not yet taken office. It is not becoming to push away your friends and family based on your views. And it is not becoming to abandon your country during a volatile time: a change in leadership.

If you are not happy with the results of the election, that is acceptable and understandable. You are certainly welcome to have your doubts. But in a world of oversharing, doubts become cracks in the nation's stability domestically and internationally.

Change doesn't just happen at the federal level. It happens at home, too. If you feel there needs to be change, try working with your local governments. The Office of the President of the United States is only one branch of the federal government. They are not our only voice: our elected representatives are not only local but also federal.

Believe in the system of checks and balances. Believe in your local governments. And believe in humanity, decency and compassion as we overcome the unrest that has fallen upon our country.


We should all do our civic duty as advocates for change and progress, but maintain the virtue of patience that provides us to look at a situation from all sides. I am not saying to cast aside anger, no one should. But to behave in a manner that is supposedly beneath our country's standards is to lower your country's reputation. Currently that, above all else, is what is hurting the most.

Let's make America great again by doing our part to make it so.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

6887
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774906
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

2048
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments