Welp, it looks like Election Day has finally collapsed upon us. To be perfectly honest, for as long as I can remember this day has caused inordinate amounts of stress and panic for me—and that dates back to when I was a little kid and had a very minimal understanding of what was going on. This year the panic levels are amped up to eleven and, as an adult, there's a hell of a lot more to be stressed about. But what concerns me more aren't just the people running or the issues they're platforms are built upon. Instead, it's the American people.
I'm worried about those who are too apathetic to care. Those who feel that we're screwed no matter what so they're sitting this one out. Those who never bothered to find someone—anyone—that might represent them. I'm upset that there are people who don't have proper representation. I'm worried about the extremists from both sides who are yelling at everyone to vote, but masking their true intentions by only giving one option as the viable option. I don't like the bullying that has gone on—both from a candidate and in retaliation to a candidate's supporters.
We let party lines divide us for too long. If you're voting because you're a proud American today, it means you're voting with the understanding that the person you want might not win. If you spew hatred at your fellow Americans for the decision, then maybe a Democracy isn't what your after. If you're upset with the options you're stuck with, let your voice be heard at all elections, not just the presidential one. When you vote with your conscience, make sure you take a moment to step outside yourself and think about how your vote impacts people other than you. Then vote with knowledge and understanding of yourself an others.
But above all else, as the great Kurt Vonnegut once said, God damn it, you've got to be kind. We're all in this mess together, please don't let politics get in the way of being human beings. Please don't let differences divide us. Be gracious. Show empathy. Work together. United we stand.
tl;dr: Please don't vote for Trump. He's a fuckin' jabroni.
