original image here
When the President of the United States walks into a room, the room stands. We as a country may divide its views every four years into two neatly categorized legal plans, but once the leaders are decided, differences are put aside and our representatives attempt to come to agreements that benefit all voters of the country. That is what our country does, and that is what sets us aside from so many other countries around the world.
My parents never raised me partisan. In my 23 years, I can recall elections they voted Democrat, Republican, and even Independent. I was raised that your duty as an American was to inform yourself about the issues, align them with your own morals and situation, vote for the candidate you believed would lead the country in the right direction, and respect the Commander-and-Chief once our country had elected him or her.
This election, I have seen some very disturbing and downright disrespectful commentary from all sides on social media and online networks. I have my opinions and I'm pretty firm on what I believe, but I distance myself online because the candidates have earned that respect. Yes, we as Americans are incredibly fortunate to have the Freedom of Speech at the core of our founding documents, but there needs to be a line.
To me, a patriot takes their hat off and covers their heart during the National Anthem and knows you try not to let the flag touch the ground. A patriot smiles at veterans. And a patriot respects the President for the office they have earned. The true patriot isn't the one who abuses their rights to be obnoxious or harrassing about their views online, it's the one who can set aside their own partisian beliefs to compromise for the greater good of the country.
President Barack Obama and Govenor Mitt Romeny are not evil men; they are a representative of our great country and they are entitled to having the respect and backing of their people. I rarely pass up a chance to laugh at a good political joke, but I do my best to be a respecful adult when posting about the leader or potential leader of my country. It means a lot to me to show respect to others who believe differently than me. My most earnest hope for this election is that after tonight, the United States can once again put aside partisian labels and push our government to concern themselves with us all, not just a little more than half the country.
I love being an American, I love being able to vote, and I love living in a time where so many important decisions will be made. To whomever we call 'Mr. President' beginning in January: congratulations sir. You have truly earned it.
Visiting the White House back in 2009.
