In order to avoid controversy, I never planned to write a political piece for the Odyssey. However, in light of the 2016 election I can no longer remain quiet. With this article, I do not plan to state my personal political beliefs. With that being said, I am extremely disappointed in the two individuals who currently head the Democratic and Republican party. The United States has a turbulent future ahead and neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton are the answers.

Donald Trump does not represent the moral and ethical standards that I hope this country holds true. Hillary Clinton has her own secrets that makes her untrustworthy. This is only scratching the surface of what makes these two candidates unsuitable for the presidency. However, I do not wish to bash these nominees and point out their many flaws. The public is very aware of what each candidate lacks.

My purposes within this article include discussing what is necessary of the United States people in the inevitable event that one of these candidates becomes our next president. Now more than ever, it is paramount that the United States comes together as a whole and moves forward as one (no matter whose leadership that may be under).

I recently came across a statement made by Ohio Governor John Kasich at the White House in regard to his support of something President Obama wants. Governor Kasich brought up a great point within his statement about how Republicans and Democrats can and should work together. Otherwise, the important issues of social security, medicare, healthcare and national security will never be resolved. Out of everything Governor Kasich said, the following block quote stood out to me the most.

“You see, I don’t recognize this town [Washington, D.C.] much anymore because now it’s become so much about politics and when politics is the order of the day and partisanship trumps country, we drift. We drift as a nation and I’m extremely concerned about what I see. This is a moment for people to begin to reverse that. To think deep inside themselves about what matters when it comes to public service.”

These words resonated with me because America is currently at a crossroads with the closing of this 2016 election. No matter what candidate wins this election, the American people can either choose to unite as a whole or to crumble. No longer can it be about one political party bashing another political party. No longer can politics revolve around the petty issues and flaws of each candidate. We must focus on the important issues at hand and stop filling the void between the two political parties with noise. Instead, we must use respectful language and we must use the idea of compromise that this country was founded on.

I am scared for the road ahead. No matter who is elected our next President, the way forward is a dark one unless we attempt to unite as American people and as fellow citizens. No more pointing fingers. No more accusatory comments that make no progress. America, no more. Let us unite through compromise and move forward as one.