I am an American and I want what is best for our country. If you are reading this, I hope that, as an American, you also what is best for our country. The problem is that what you believe is best for our country and what I believe is best for our country could very well be two completely different things. That is why I am afraid for our country.
There isn’t any point in going over the difference between my view and yours. We know the arguments on both sides, we have heard them and we have spoken them. There have been lies and there has been truth. There has been violence, hate, and bigotry. There has been peace, love, and acceptance. Unfortunately, we all believe we are on the “right” side of the divide.
Throughout our country’s history there have been many times when political parties have disagreed. The largest divide this country has experienced was the Civil War where brother fought brother to eliminate slavery. Several states were so ingrained in their beliefs that slavery was right those states withdrew from the Union resulting the death of thousands. Recovery from this war took many years, and even more years to build up to the Civil Rights era.
The Civil Rights era brought us Selma, the Freedom Riders, the murder of Emmett Till and the assignation of Martin Luther King. Not to mention all the others who were injured and killed. Terrible things were said and done. Yet, somehow, we grew through the pain and anger.
During the 1960’s the LGBTQ groups lobbied for recognition and equal rights. Harvey Milk ran for public office, there were riots at the Stonewall Inn and other places. The first Pride events began in the ’70’s. Only 10 years ago same gender marriage became the law of ALL the land, instead of a few states.
Despite these divisions our country has managed to heal. Not everyone was, or is, OK with the changes that have taken place in nearly 250 years. Nevertheless, we have managed to get along. We have managed to treat each other with respect and dignity, until recently.
Today these United States are more divided than they have been since the 1860’s. Soon the course of our country for the next 4 years will be decided by the outcome of the election. Which side will come out on top? The margin is too close to call. It may be your side, or it might be my side. Regardless of the outcome, people are going to be unhappy.
Many of you, like me, are afraid for our country because of what might happen after the election. If one side wins, the rights of several minorities could be impacted. If the other side wins, the losing side is likely to have a repeat of the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Our country may never recover from the violence that could happen.
I believe that no matter how far apart our views might be, you also want what is best for our country. The only way we are going to get through this period ahead of us, is if we work together, no matter which side wins. I pray daily for an outcome favorable to my beliefs. Because I know that things don’t always go my way, I also pray that whatever happens, we can keep the good parts of our country and not allow political violence to destroy us.
I am an American, I love our country, and I want what is best for our country. My vow is that I will not support violence by either side. Will you do the same?
