This past election was a rough one. We witnessed America reduce the running for presidential office down to two less than ideal candidates, and now, we enter a candidacy already defined by misogynistic and demeaning comments, racial inequality, and public concern in regards to the capability of the man who just took the office. In a time where opinions reflecting emotions run high, and individuals find themselves threatened and in need of voicing aggressive defenses of their rights, we lose sight of how the President ought to be regarded, not as a man but as a position.

Do not take this as a pro-Trump endorsement from the stereotypical southern, middle-class, white female. In very few ways do I agree with our current president’s policy, nonetheless his vocal representation of it. I do lament the witnessing our nation tear itself apart in front of my very eyes, but I would still lament if President Obama, President Washington, President Roosevelt, or anyone else were in office.

Our nation is not defined by the rulings of one man. He is a single figure in the history of the United States. He may represent a nation of people who disagree with his position, but he also represents a nation who chose him to lead; we are the ones who put him in that position. We allowed for him to pass every test, every trial, and lay claim to the very seat we fuss about now.

The Presidential Office is a place of honor and reverence. We did not allow a dictator to take office, but a man for whom the people spoke. Our government was built upon the principle no one man may have unbridled and uncontrollable power. There may be a man in office who belittles and threatens the minorities of his countries, but we are the ones who put him in that position.

Yet, we also have the powers preventing him from stripping us of our rights. There will always be justice, always be safeguards, always be preventative measures to ensure we fall not into tyranny, and the people are not subject to the rule of one man.

We once revered our president, publically popular or otherwise. When Theodore Roosevelt fell ill, his secret service formed a physical barrier between him and the public so as not to see his weakness. President Washington was a terrible (oh so terrible) army general, but we overlook that and remember his inspiration on the battle field in his presidency.

Our recently departed President Obama had some rather questionable policies, but look around social media, open a magazine, read anything written in the last six months, and you will see not expository articles of relief in regards to him leaving office but instead, lamentations and stories cherishing high lights of his presidency.

Do we now abandon such practices because the man occupying the office we find unfavorable?

Are we to only revere the candidate we voted for and vehemently oppose the competitor?

Our nation prides itself on the democratic political system wherein we have the opportunity, the blessing, to voice our opinions concerning who we believe should serve as our figurehead. We cast our votes, we claimed our stance, and the people chose who they believed should lead this country.

However, for those who disagree with the results, your voice is not unheard. We have the privilege, as well, to peaceably assemble, to protest, to make our voices known and multiplied.

We spoke in November of 2016, yes, but we speak now, as well. Our voices have no cutoff date after which they go unheard. Fight for what you believe in because you are given the right to do so by a nation that not only allows for it but ENCOURAGES it.

When we fight for beliefs and political opinions, though, let us remember the same nation giving us the freedom to do so also grants us the freedom to elect our leaders.

Fight for your rights, but do not forget to appreciate the system allowing you to do so. Your voice is heard, but it is not the only voice. We are millions strong and millions unique, and each of our voices have a right to be heard. All and all, with the freedom to speak our minds and gather to proclaim our thoughts comes an expectation to respect the very system who granted that freedom.