Violence begets violence and hate begets hate. These things are spawned and born out of fear and misunderstanding. Never more true then these past few days political discourse has separated us and for good reason. With vastly different beliefs, it is obvious why this is happening, even if it no one wants to admit it. Let's not pretend we are not self aware enough to know why. There will always be tension, because humanity feels more than just one way. People are scared and that is okay. Invalidating someones fears on the other hand is not ok. With recent political results protesting is the most American response possible, people have a voice and its important to use it. No good can come from silencing yourself so others can feel comfortable. People may not like the protests and if they get violent thats absolutely understandable. I don't condone the violence but the acts of violence don't undermine everyone else who is protesting their cause peacefully. People will say protesting and complaining are premature actions and thats also understandable, but the idea of being more proactive then reactive is also reasonable. People would rather protest to prevent unacceptable things from happening rather than having to protest as their happening. Reality is you can be angry at either side of the spectrum but anger won’t get you far. Rising up and fighting for what you believe in will, but anger can only be held for so long before it either turns into violence or is let go.

Don’t get me wrong, I am livid over some things that our president elect said and did during his campaign and his life for that matter, but that’s not what’s going to motivate me to try and make a difference. I want to progress to a better future for myself and everyone and if he proposes or does things that are going to make us go backwards instead of forwards and potentially hurt people, I will absolutely have a problem with it. If that means participating in the political process then so be it, if it means just trying my best to be a good person then so be it. It’s time to rise up and be the best we can possibly be. It’s in me and it’s in all of us to do great things.

Love can be limitless but so can hate. It's important in times like these to remember who you are and to not let anger and hate guide you to a place you don't want to be in. Just because the ones you disagree with are fueled with hate doesn't mean you have to be.