Over the past 4 years, the
last year especially, I am proud to say: I did not spread hate. I did not
threaten anyone. I did not insult anyone's intelligence. I did not attack anyone's
character. I did not shame or ostracize anyone. I never labeled anyone with a cruel
word because they did not see things exactly the way I saw it. I did not imply
or insinuate that anyone was devoid of morality or humanity. I respected others
and their ability to research and determine on their own how they felt on a
myriad of topics. I did not talk down to anyone nor acted superior above
anyone.
Was it hard? Some days, yes; but I knew what I expected of myself.
I knew what example I wanted to provide my children. I knew that even when you
disagree with someone, you can still have compassion and respect for them. Some
feel that certain behaviors are necessary to "stand up for what's
right." I then ask you how you could be so contradictory? How can you
disavow someone because they are so vile, and then turn around with the same behavior
and call it justified?
I have friends and family with a wide range of political viewpoints...but
I never stopped having respect for you when your principles guided you to a
different conclusion than my own.
You want a leader with kindness, strong ethics, and empathy? You
want a leader that will not sink to the lowest form of behavior? You want a
leader that will rise above the malice of the opposing side? Be the change you
want to see. Rise above the muck of name-calling, character-bashing, and
general ugliness and show that you embody the basic qualities you want reflected
in face of our nation.
As the country changes and moves
on, I will not care about what candidate said what about some general topic…but
I will remember the ugly words that a friend said. I will remember the hurtful
behavior of a family member to another. I hope that if you are my friend or
family member, you know me. You know me and my moral compass. You should trust
that no matter my decision on an important topic, my decision was not taken lightly.
My decision was researched. My decision was not easy. I am not lacking in empathy,
intelligence, humility, or reflection.
Biden will be President, and
whether or not you or I voted for him is moot. He has been elected so let’s
find our humanity towards one another again. Let’s not allow the behavior of
others that we distained so deeply change us…let’s not become the thing we
reviled.
Be the change…be the example you
wish to see in America.
