Tensions are higher than ever before as the 2016 political season comes to a close. Similar to years past, many months of political debate, slandering statements and heated deliberations have left America battered. Issues are evermore prominent, and Republicans and Democrats share a common hatred for their nominees.
The divisiveness has caused one percent splits to occur and trends to be broken by traditional party states. Once again, the United States has been left with half of its residents disappointed. It leaves all Americans begging the question, what now?
It’s a record year in America. Some states, like California, have stuck to their tradition of swinging left, while others, like Pennsylvania, have swung right for the first time since President Ronald Reagan. More than ever before, the country has seen a shift, and residents of the United States are often forced to make a choice: which candidate do you dislike the least?
Justification of a candidate based on where they stand on the issues took a backseat to scandal, and campaigns focused on what was wrong with their opponent. Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were disliked for a multitude of reasons, and Republicans and Democrats alike have been forced to make a difficult decision.
Today, America is faced with a new decision. Republican or Democrat, American Citizens must learn to accept who is elected president. Whether someone dislikes the president-elect or not is inconsequential, and American citizens are not simply going to immigrate to Canada as many have joked on social media.
As seen in the polls, sixty-two million would love to wake up and find the tides turned in their favor. With two candidates representing such clear opposition, how is America supposed to simply overlook the election results?
They shouldn’t. The election, if nothing else, shows that such a small amount of votes matters. Its our duty as Americans to be informed and vote, and shape America the way we see fit. Its “We the People,” no matter who is elected, that have the opportunity to voice our opinions and influence views.
Whether you support the president-elect or not is irrelevant for the time being. The answer isn’t in riots, mobs or name calling, but in the right to vote. As the famous philosopher aristotle once said, democracy is the same tyranny shared by many people. The incessant “my vote doesn’t count” platitude is a threat to our democracy. Furthermore, those who do not take place in democracy by exercising their right to vote forfeit the right to complain about its results. It’s the duty of both sides to elect the officials they best see fit, and the opportunity to make the same decision will come again