As someone who has been actively involved in this 2016 presidential election cycle since last fall, I am fully aware of the friction felt between those that find themselves in different political camps. However, I am also aware of the grave importance of mending relationships and coming together as unified citizens, rather than continuing down the path of conflict and contempt.
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are probably the two most disliked major candidates in recent history. Whoever is named the victor on Nov. 8, there will certainly be millions of voters who resent the election’s outcome.
I could go on about my personal views of each candidate, but doing so would run counter to my intended purpose of this piece: to emphasize the necessity of unifying our country in the wake of the results on election day, in the hope that we, as a people, will seek to work and compromise with the next executive branch rather than attempt to oppose and block it at every turn.
There is too vast an array of serious issues for us as a people to continue focusing on the differences between political factions that create friction. These issues include climate change, income inequality, student debt, healthcare and national defense, to name a few.
We must confront them with diligence, lest they fall to the wayside, replaced by bipartisan conflict and consuming the bulk of our focus and attention.
Regardless of who you voted for on Nov. 8, be aware that once the victor is announced — for the sake of progress and the proliferation of American success — it is beyond necessary that we come together. Conservatives and liberals; Republicans and Democrats; Libertarians and environmentalists; socialists and capitalists all need to understand that we are one nation.
We all want what is best for our country, but we cannot accomplish what we must do if we continue to focus on what divides us instead of what brings us together.
I know that there will never come a time when every person has the same political attitudes and ideologies, but I hold out hope for the day when progress becomes more important than simply trying to beat those with whom you disagree. To reiterate, we face too many serious issues that require our undivided attention to allow for our focus to be occupied with political conflict.
Politics is one of the most divisive topics in today’s world, but we cannot afford to be divided. Not anymore. The state of things requires immediate action, and that cannot happen if we and our representatives would rather fight and oppose each other instead of work together for the sake of us all.
On top of everything else, it is necessary for everyone to stay politically active after they cast their ballots. Call your state and local representatives, follow their record in office and hold them accountable for how they represent you and your community.
I fear that this election will cause resentment for many people, but I hope that it can be overcome by the collective understanding that our political differences do not matter most. Serving all Americans in the best capacity possible does.
To do so, we must work together, understand each other and compromise where we can because we have to keep moving forward. Political stagnation is not an option at this point in time. Our country cannot afford another stalemate at this hour.
You cannot serve your constituents if you prioritize the inaction of your opponents rather than working with them in a way that actually supports the general populace, let alone those who elected you in the first place.
There is too much at stake for pride to continue to reign over progress. We must move forward together.
