For many months now I have spent my time reading, from many sources, articles with which may or may not contain people's comments pertaining to the 2012 election.   Today I believe I have reached my limit regarding all the negativity, attacks towards another's opinion, false accusations regarding racism and bigotry, religious beliefs, finger pointing, name calling and so on.  We are a country very divided on how we see our future.  In many ways I see great progress but I am also seeing a backward trend.

I am a northern state city girl, one who was raised amongst many religions, race and color. Although a 6 day riot forever changed my birth town, I feel blessed that I grew up as I did.

Many of my friends had parents and or grandparents who immigrated into this country.  As a young girl I spent many an evening sharing their table.  I enjoyed learning of their traditions, tasting their incredible food and just spending time.  Although I am of one religion I enjoyed visiting their house of worship, which ever it may have been, when invited.  I celebrate Christmas but seeing a Menorah next to a Christmas tree when out and about was the norm. 

Once I ventured out on my own, and due to my dad telling me I did not have to leave the United States to see beauty, I took the road to reside in many US states.  I lived amongst those who fled Cuba, Haiti and other countries.  I lived where folks took to hunting their own food and where their kitchen water came from a stream high up on the mountain through a hose.  A place where a momma bear came knocking at the dang door.   I’ve lived where the rich and famous reside and I’ve lived where the poor strive to survive.   And again, what one can learn from another is just amazing.

What is important is that through my life I got to experience the values, morals and ethics of all.  The responsibility to work hard and create a decent life for one’s family ran deep.  Respect for your neighbor, always willing to lend a hand if need be.  Sure, gossiping over the fence or a good political debate amongst neighbors happened, but it did not go on with the hostility / hatred I have seen these past few months.

I was raised to respect my flag as this is my country.  I was raised to stand up, no matter where I was, when the National Anthem was played.  I was raised to respect my elders and to show respect to the person next to me.  I was raised to say thank you and please.  I was raised that my opinion matter but when stating it, to do so in a mature way.  I was taught agree to disagree.  I was taught values and morals.  I was taught that even though I may not have voted for a specific person I should always hold some form of respect for said person.

I am not perfect.  I have the mouth and temper of a true Leo and yes, am very opinionated.  You get in my personal space and my hair goes up.  But, at my current age, I strive each and every day to be a better person than the day before but will admit I fail constantly. 

With all that I have seen these past few months, I am disheartened by all of the nastiness which flows from another’s fingertips.  What amazes me is that 90% of the people, who attack as they do from their keyboard, would never ever attack verbally in the same way.  Social media is a great invention but is also causing a great divide within the human race.  Negativity flows much more easily when not spoken.  We tend to react instead of respond.

I personally, when only a keyboard is in use, find myself having more respect towards another when in discussion.  I live by the rule of - If I cannot look you in the eye to express my feelings, I then have no right to disrespect / attack you using a keyboard.

Throughout this election I have been called many a names from people who have never met me, who do not know anything about my life, my health or where I stand on any given issue.  Because I openly stated who I was in favor for I was lumped into a category, as so many were.  I may not agree on an issue but I freely respected their opinion.  Instead of welcoming ones opinions, having a good debate and maybe, just maybe learning something we didn’t know, it seemed easier to just attack.  Attacking for all the wrong reasons.

We complain when the younger generation does not get involved.  I was in a discussion just this morning when a young man, 20 years old, was verbally ambushed.  He was told he was uneducated, come back when he’s older, had no idea what he was talking about, etc.  I personally commended him on his ability to show maturity when being attacked and his knowledge on a few issues.  We complain that the older generation is stuck in the past.  What is most forgotten is that our elders have lived, were once young and have the most to offer us in the way of knowledge.  To not listen and apply to the future is a huge mistake.

I do not believe a parent owns their child.  I believe one is gifted the responsibility of a child to care and raise, teach values and morals to and prepare them for their own path.  They are our future.  Teach them correctly and they will know no bounds.  Always remember that for both, the parent and child, it is a learning process.  One may have 5 children but the process is always different with each.  Remember each of you have never ever experienced that moment together.  Offer to be their counselor throughout their life but never expect them to return to the nest.  Once let loose, they are on their own path.

However you look at it, life is a gift.  We start to die the moment we are born.  Our last breath can come at any given moment.  That is reality.  Life is not black and white, right or wrong.  It is having the ability to stand by your convictions but be able to compromise.  It is respecting another’s opinions.  It is not what you can get out of it but rather what you can give back.  It is not about material items but rather what we cannot hold or touch.  Life is about succeeding and failing.  Remembering that the person you just kicked to the ground, whether by words or actions, just might one day be the person who reaches out to you or a loved one when in need.

For many reasons the 2012 election was like no other.  Most American citizens, no matter who you are or which way you lean, feel there were errors made whether it being fraud, nasty ads, excessive funds spent, intimidation, etc.  No matter your belief, the one factor we ALL should share is the right for honesty.  Trust is a very fragile thing and once it is questionable, the fight to earn it back is a very long road.  We need to stop the finger pointing, the personal attacks and the name calling.  Want to be taken seriously…act accordingly.  If there is an issue in which one does not agree with, take the necessary steps to try and change it.  Want to be informed… then have an open mind.  Have questions…seek answers.  Never allow another to silence you.  We are a land of many and with that, come opportunities, good and bad. 

Live, love and learn, but most of all be respectful.