The Most Important Thing I Learned From Election 2016

Most of us are in "duck and cover" mode when it comes to the 2016 Election. We long for it to be over partly due to its vicious nature that has left many of us feel as though we are in some sort of countrywide, never-ending argument with one another. Blame whoever you want for that, but the fact is our feelings are real, and most of us are ready to move on. I know that when my husband and I are in a heated disagreement, it is extremely stressful for us both, and it doesn't really feel better until we discuss our differences, respect one another's viewpoints, and compromise for the good of our marriage and family. November 8th is not the day of reconciliation for our country. One party will win, and another party will be very unhappy and unresolved in their position. This is where the most important thing I have learned about this election comes into play. Yes, it IS vicious, and abrasive, and down-right embarrassing at times, but think of it in terms of the content and not the tone. For history's sake, the topics that are arising are pretty fantastic, and though ugly and nasty to discuss, they are MUCH needed changes that will make us all stronger and make our country better. So, instead of hiding from the discomfort of discussing racial discrimination, illegal immigration, sexual harassment, climate change, and financial and economic crisis, we have it right in our faces. It's smack dab in front of us, where it should be, and that's where REAL change can occur. Our country's problems and weaknesses have always existed; only now we are aware, and awareness is the beginning of change. I recognize that the topics with which we are being faced are awful and challenging to resolve, but think about how this is potentially affecting our country historically! We are on the brink of resolutions if we do not shrink away from the topics at hand. Let's come together and resolve to discuss our differences, respect one another's viewpoints, and compromise for the good of each other, our country, and our world. Let's not shrink back into our complacency or our ignorance and hide from the ugliness that we are far too aware of, and let us strive to resolve these issues even after November 8th. It WILL be wonderful when the tone of the election of 2016 changes -- which may not occur until the election is over -- but I have learned not to grow weary of the content because the topics being discussed are so important, and with them is the hope of historic change, change that would make our families, country and world stronger and more at peace.