Let me start by saying I’m not one to publish my political views and opinions on the World Wide Web for anyone to debate and dispute to the ends of the Earth. However, in light of the upcoming election in just 5 days, it only seems fair that I share my two cents with my reader database of approximately 5 people or so..
I am positive that anyone with common sense can agree that the 2016 election has been an absolute circus. From sex scandals to illegal email server allegations, the face of this political election has truly taken its own form and is unlike any other in our American history. Most of us can agree that both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are two candidates who have adopted polar-opposite political platforms, yet they encompass very similar personalities. The closer we get to this election, the more published propaganda we see with endless forms of slander towards the opposing candidate. As I watch all of this unfold, I continue to ask myself: Do they ever stop to listen to anything other than their own voice? I scroll through the New York Times, the Boston Globe, Time, and more, and all I see are articles concerning the latest scandal picked up by the media (as well as the potential for history to be made with the Cubs in the World Series.)
And yes, I am a Communication major//Journalism minor with the hope of being employed in the media, so I do understand the purpose of picking up these stories. I understand that one news company represents one political party while another promotes the opposite. I understand that these news companies exacerbate and expound upon these scandals to mollify the public opinion on the candidate. I understand that this is their job, this is how we become informed for the most part. But what I don’t understand is why the potential future leaders of our country are so focused on slashing the chances of their opponent, when there are larger issues at hand.
Historically, the Pilgrims fled to North America to exercise religious freedom and escape the hierarchy of power within the Church. So what is the necessity in having a president, a figure who holds the image of being at the pinnacle of the hierarchy of power? In actuality, we need a president for many reasons as he/she holds certain powers within the checks and balances system between the Supreme Court and Congress. However, if you ignore the physical powers the president holds, you must take into account the emotional power of the president. The President of the United States, whether or not you support him/her, serves as one of the most influential figures in our society. Although some presidencies were not entirely successful or looked upon with admiration, many figures still influence our politics today. For example, John F. Kennedy, one of the most admired politicians of our history, was responsible for many important and successful changes in our political system. While his presidency was tragically cut short, he still holds an important place in our political mindset, as he represents a time of accomplishment and upward mobility.
In short, the president is a figure who should inspire, support, uplift, motivate, and trust the country. In this past year alone, we have experienced:
• a devastating mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, creating a positive rise in the support of the LGBTQA community across the nation
• a rising distrust with the law enforcement, particularly highlighted in the Dallas Rally Shootings
• spreading disease and natural disasters from the spread of the Zika virus in the Americas to the devastation of Hurricane Matthew on Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina
Our country has been tested time and time again by heartbreak and travesty. Yet aside from all of these issues, the most inspiring part is the way in which we have grown and developed. And I am by no means stating that we are in a time of growth and development, as mistrust in law enforcement is still high and a general mood of displeasure surrounds this election. But through these trials of strength, we have prevailed. I believe, regardless of the results of this election, we are able to move forward. After 9/11, one of the most devastating events to occur to the United States, development and positivity seemed bleak. Whatever disasters or events that may occur during the presidency of either Trump or Clinton, we are the melting pot of society and we have seen worse days. We are a nation united, rather than a nation divided.
*Regardless of the fact that I stand with neither candidate fully, I will still be exercising my right to vote as a citizen of the United States, and you should too*
