We have all read the unproductive political conversations on Facebook – the “my side is better than your side” and “my side represents America more” arguments.
With the midterms now past us, it is important that we do not let the results change us as people.
The results are important, but to let them divide us into fragments of human beings is not the correct way to go about standing up for your beliefs.
I know some of you may be unhappy with the results, while others of you may be jumping for joy. I’m here to let you know America as a nation will be okay. We will be okay.
There was a lot of issues on the people’s minds this election including immigration laws, gun control, and women’s rights.
This election will end up changing the course of history and how we approach those topics.
I’m terrified. I do not want people to live in tent cities and children to be separated from their families. I do not want teachers to own guns in school or have sexual assaulters and abusers represent us as a country. I want women to have equal representation in the government.
And yet, I am also happy. We live in a democracy where we do have the power to vote and create changes.
We have freedom of speech and the freedom to protest peacefully.
Regardless of if I stand with particular protests does not matter, for it is so beautiful to see people using this freedom.
This midterm means so much more than who is in office. It means how we as a nation have decided by a majority who represents, and how their policies can change the course of this country.
I voted for the first time in the 2016 presidential election.
I was scared and nervous, because I knew my vote mattered and made a difference. In the end, I lost. As did half of Americans.
Since then, I have seen changes happening throughout the nation that I did not agree with.
I have been worried about the economy and social issues that I know made a difference. Maybe not to me personally all the time, but to other Americans. But I knew we would be okay.
That is my mentality now. We will be okay. There is hope for us and we will rejoice one day in a fantastic home where we can come together regardless of our differences and know that our country is in good hands.
Here’s my advice, stay off the political rants on Facebook.
These conversations are typically not productive, and no one changes their opinions based on what other people say.
Instead, call your new representatives, or even the incumbents, and tell them what you believe in. Share your voice to enact a change, no matter how small.
Try not to be held down by the political discussions at the Thanksgiving table.
Spend time with your family and learn about your similarities, not just the differences. Most importantly, have hope.
Whoever won or lost does not mean the nation will go down in flames.
We will be okay, you will be okay, and as these next two years change, remember that we have a voice. And that voice is glorious.
Emily Rubino
Opinions Editor