For awhile, I tried to keep my mouth shut. This election has been loud, hateful, and disgusting and I really didn’t want to add any fuel to the fire or welcome shitstorms of hate into my life. I’ve done my best to not post things on social media, but occasionally I would slip when I’d see post comments getting out of control. During happy hours I’d let others give their opinions first while quietly digesting all they had to say. I didn’t attend any rallies or protests. I was doing everything I could to let it all soak in while not encouraging the chaos. But the last two months have been incredibly trying.
You see, this isn’t a feminist issue—it’s about being a good human, in general.
More than ever, people are looking at this election through the lens of something other than the platform on which each candidate is running. Issues of morality have always come into play in elections, but this one has drawn back all the shades, curtains, drapes, blinds, and boarded windows on a candidate’s personal opinions. Although I want the leader of the free world to be an independent thinker, I’d like her/his independent thoughts to be those of morality, equality, kindness, brilliance, diplomacy, and strength.
Morality isn’t making fun of a person with a disability.
Equality isn’t hate speech about anyone other than older, white males.
Kindness isn’t calling people “fat pigs” or…sexual harassment, assault, rape, etc.
Brilliance isn’t stumbling over current policies, laws, or issues.
Diplomacy isn’t insisting on nukes, spouting off about deporting others with different religions, or saying that China single-handedly caused global warming.
Strength isn’t putting others down to rise higher.
This country needs a leader to put an end to the violence that has been sparked by this election. Someone with experience other than running many bankrupt businesses. Someone to intelligently and diplomatically work with leaders of other countries. Someone to embrace all races, genders, religions, and preferences. Someone to make change that can better the lives of the poor, homeless, and addicted. And someone to remind young women that they’re more than just a pussy to grab.
Look around you. Think of the melting pot of greatness we’ve made in this country. Think of your family—your mother, sisters, daughters. Think of your friends and co-workers that maybe don’t look exactly like you.
Think of humanity and how humans should be treated. Because I’m terrified of those that don’t. And you should be too.
Please vote on November 8th.
To find where to vote go here.
Sam Siman
Sam works in advertising/marketing by day and moonlights with startup consulting, dating profile overhauls, and event planning. She lives in Columbus with her two dogs and spends her free time writing, drinking coffee and local beers, getting zen with yoga, catching a good concert, and laughing with friends. She doesn't give a shit if you're offended by lewd language, so #dealwithit.