by Angela M. Cranon, M.A.
Associate Publisher
Well…well… The final two have been nominated and only one will take the seat as President of the United States. The two candidates, Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (Democrat) and Billionaire Donald J. Trump (Republican) are two very different people who see America’s future just as differently as their personalities.
Both of their first days at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions started off rocky, but it appears that the internal conflicts have calmed, for the most part. However, these candidates still sit on the edge since some Americans believe that choosing Clinton will be the same old politics and not much change. Others believe that Trump will make too much of a dramatic change. Which does America want?
Aside from the email accusations of Clinton, and the loose tongue of Trump, Americans need to make a decision on the direction of the country. Although some believe that Trump is widely hated, his nomination proves otherwise and gives a clear picture that people are supporting him and want him in the Presidential seat. This is a reality.
On the other hand, the country is scratching its head and wondering if it is really ready for a female President, especially after an African-American served in the White House for two terms. Too many “minorities” back to back is still being pondered. However, voters have spoken that they want a female President by putting her in the top seat to run for this office.
Citizens thought eight years ago the presidential race was intriguing and exhilarating with Hillary Clinton, a woman, and Barack Obama, an African-America running side by side, both to be the first of their “kind” to serve as the Commander in Chief. That may not necessarily be so since the 2016 Presidential election has outdone itself on the entertainment richter scale.
Still, however, there are so many unanswered questions. Will women vote for Clinton because she is a female? Will men “not” vote for Clinton because she is a woman? Will women and people of color vote for Trump? Can Trump tame his tongue?
Aside from the controversies that surround these two candidates, what is most disturbing is that Trump supporters endure so much violence upon them. In a free country, as America is supposed to be, as indicated in the Bill of Rights, the first 10 Amendments of the Constitution, citizens have freedom of speech and freedom of expression. But, putting a Trump sign on a lawn in some neighborhoods would entice possible violence, vandalism, and scrutiny.
When freedom of speech is hindered by violence, what kind of country are we before either one of these candidates get into office? Not liking someone’s words or political position should not create scenes of violence to show disagreement. The power of disagreement is in the VOTE.
Do you realize that, according to the PewResearch Center, in 2012 the highest voter turnout in the United States was 53 percent, compared to other countries like Belgium (87.2 percent), Turkey (86.4 percent) and Sweden (82.6 percent). President Obama raised the voter turnout rate to 64 percent in 2008. If the turnout rate was an essay paper or an exam in 2012, the country would receive an F, and in 2008, a D-. What is wrong with this picture?
No matter which candidate is liked the least, voting is the power within our own voice. Don’t complain if you don’t vote. How far has violence taken America and its citizens in the past?
If citizens stay home because they don’t like either candidate, they have just forfeited their rights to complain, disagree, and to hate. The solution is not to sit this one out, but to choose a candidate, because voting or not, someone will be elected on November 8th.
Watch, listen, and vote:
- Sept. 26 — Presidential debate at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio;
- Oct. 4 — Vice presidential debate at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia;
- Oct. 9 — Presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis;
- Oct. 19 — Presidential debate at University of Nevada-Las Vegas;
- Nov. 8 — Election Day.
Now go make it a great day.
