I recently watched a video on Facebook sponsored by Hillary for America. While I don't favor one candidate over the other, I like to see what each of them presents to the general public. This particular video caught my attention because of the caption: When Trump trivializes the sacrifice of our military and veterans, he makes it clear: He has no idea what service to this country means. Having a parent in the military, my curiosity was piqued, and I spent the next three minutes and nineteen seconds listening to veterans speak out about Trump's blatantly oblivious statements about the military.

Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/hillaryclinton/videos/129...

There are many things that can be said about a person by what they say about others. How you address your professors and parents and peers—it all shows some aspect of your character. When I watched this video, it honestly took the breath out of my lungs. This man, this idolized figure that is up for the highest position in America ignorantly disrespected not only my father, but also the countless men and women he could potentially lead as commander and chief. While I’m not truly a fan of either candidate, I must say I could not be more disappointed in Trump than I was after seeing this video.

Growing up as a military brat, I was not sheltered from the negative attitudes and words from others concerning the U.S. military. I was aware that people did not agree with my father’s occupation, but I didn’t care. No matter what others said, I kept my shoulders square, my head high and my mouth shut. I may not have agreed with what some people said, and I might have laughed at those with ignorant arguments.

After watching this video, I realize what this election has truly taught me: the power of words and the loss of respect. My Facebook has been full of “Why Hillary Shouldn’t be the First Woman President” and “Trump: President or Führer” posts and all of them are shortly followed by a stream of comments opposing or advocating, attacking or protecting, and belittling or praising the user.

The amount of hate and disorder that has come out of this election is absolutely terrifying. I never thought the people in my life that I’ve known, appreciated and loved for so long could say such hurtful or malicious things about or to someone they don’t even know. It truly terrifies me to think that one election could create so much upheaval amongst friends and allies.

This video has shown me something that I did not expect. Donald Trump’s ignorant and distasteful words carried a heavier meaning than just disrespect for military men and women. It embodied the very atmosphere surrounding this election. I feel that we have lost our respect for one another and we have all forgotten the true beauty of a civil disagreement. There will never be a time when we all agree; it is logistically impossible. However, there are ways to approach a subject or a person. Even if you cannot accept his or her beliefs and values, you can respect the fact that everyone is entitled to an opinion. So stop blocking people on Facebook. Stop shouting racist, murderer, and rapist. Accept the fact that were are all different, and we all have a right to believe what we wish.