The 2016 U.S. presidential election will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most litigious, controversial, dirty, and hostile elections in recent history. With the Republican party’s candidates all acting like young school children by insulting each other in every other sentence and making headline controversial statements and the Democratic party’s divide on Bernie vs. Hillary before the primaries and now their aggressive efforts after the primaries to make Hillary Clinton more likeable, in many ways this has turned into a huge entertainment factor for both the spectators and especially the media. Personally I am deeply saddened by the hate and fear mongering that has been spewed by Donald Trump, but more than that I do feel that things are getting serious enough for real concern. I am not going to mince my words here: This election has been an insult to my intelligence on so many levels I don’t even know where to begin.

I have talked to a number of people who have decided that due to their intense dislike of both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, they plan on abstaining from voting. As a staunch Bernie Sanders supporter, I can easily understand their reasoning: Both candidates are not entirely favorable and have some severe flaws (in my opinion, Donald Trump obnoxiously and repugnantly more so), so choosing one over the other would feel as if we actually agree with that person’s views and policies, that we actually like one candidate so we vote for them. It feels like we are being held at gunpoint to choose from being stabbed or being poisoned. So yes, I completely understand why a number of people wish to abstain from voting, and their frustration with the choice being presented to American people.

I personally have come to the conclusion that in this election, we are choosing who we hate the least and pinching our noses as we submit our votes, similar to what we do when are being forced to eat something particularly unpleasant. Many of us will be voting against a candidate instead of in favor of one. In my opinion, with the way things are going, the only way Trump can win is if enough people abstain from voting. I don’t think he has the numbers to beat Clinton, although those numbers are quite close. But if enough people stay home (whether they are Democrat or Republican) then unfortunately I can see him winning. For this reason I say as of now in the interest of the nation it is best if we halt the protest, because ultimately the only person who will really benefit is Trump.

While I am and will always be a passionate Bernie supporter, Hillary Clinton is still and will always be a much better candidate than Trump, whose outrageous views and rhetoric are far below anything that could rank as valid or acceptable on a political (and humanity) scale. Yes, I do have some issues with Clinton and I do disagree with some of her views and policies but I cannot ignore the fact that she has the power to do a lot of good for the nation. Her experience and expertise in politics would be very beneficial in avoiding crises and dealing with ones that arise. A Clinton presidency means more gender equality, which is something the country needs, and which would show how far society has come. We would definitely have a better and more stable economy for more than just a small minority of citizens. The issue of climate change might actually get the attention it deserves under Clinton, as opposed to Trump who either ignores or refuses to acknowledge its existence, which needless to say is a pressing matter if we want a better future for future generations. And of course, the fact that unlike Trump she pushes for equality amongst all minorities. These important values that the United States has always prided itself on. And a Clinton presidency would certainly further these ideals, while a Trump presidency would trample on every last one of them.

Your vote does count. In fact, it counts now more than ever with regards to the ultimate goal of preventing Trump from winning. And abstaining from voting just gives Trump a better chance of winning. And if he does win, remember that a Trump presidency would greatly damage the nation as a whole. It would be bad enough for the people he marginalizes and ostracizes (Mexicans, Muslims, women, etc.), but it would have an equally devastating effect on the country. Much of the progress and accomplishments that have been achieved would likely deteriorate, and many of the things that make this nation admirable and great would cease to exist on a significant scale. The country would lose its diversity, its tolerance, and acceptance. A country which is known and admired for its freedoms would soon become known for its bigotry and oppression, especially against immigrants and minorities. America’s allies would likely distance themselves from the nation, further increasing problems with foreign policy. The nation would cease to grow and develop economically, socially, and definitely globally.

I am aware that there are representatives from the Libertarian Party and the Green Party who are being shown as potential third and fourth options for those who wish to vote for neither Trump nor Clinton, and many of them are an improvement from the choices being presented by the Democratic and Republican parties. My only apprehension with them, however, is that they won’t garner enough support and so voting for them would mean taking votes away from Clinton that she’d need to beat Donald Trump. So for me it wouldn’t be worth it unless I felt that any of those candidates had a real chance.

Along with the fact that a Trump presidency would be potentially devastating for the people in the United States, an important thing to remember is that along with keeping in mind the issues plaguing the country, the citizens of this nation do have a duty to speak for those who don’t have a voice. As a superpower, the decision regarding the person who is elected for president by the citizens of the United States will directly impact the citizens of the world due to that president’s foreign policy. This is especially true for the people of the Middle East, who are being oppressed and murdered by dictators and who need positive action taken. Whoever the citizens choose means the difference between life and death, aid or no aid, helping refugees or turning our backs on them, for millions of people around the world who don’t have a voice. The outcome of this election, the decision that is taken, will affect them directly. They don't have the power to make themselves heard, but we do. Ultimately, we make that choice for them, whether it is in their favor or against it. That power lies with us, and we must not take it lightly.

If this were a “normal” election, most likely the choices would be at least somewhat more clear cut to an extent. So I do realize that when the choice is between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, it doesn’t seem like there will be all that much difference and in some senses that is not entirely wrong. However, on the whole I would say that Trump is a bigger and far more alarming threat to humanity in general. So I can definitely understand how right now the choices being presented to voters is quite disheartening and even frustrating. In fact most likely if this were a “normal” election I might not even ask people who plan on abstaining to reconsider. But right now we are not in a position to do that. Now is the time to swallow our pride because there is a very real issue facing us. It is time to send a message that as much of an embarrassment and insult to our intelligence this election has been, we will put our foot down. We will not let prejudice and hatred win.

So for those of you who are planning on abstaining, I do respect your decision but I still urge you to consider the consequences for those people who will be directly affected by the outcome of this election. The best way to make your point is to have your voice heard, and it is important to raise your voice now more than ever. How we respond to adversity and crises is what builds character and what helps us advance as a society. It is essential that we not become bystanders in this matter. So I encourage you to take a stand, even if it means standing far from where you normally would.