The 2016 Election has been one of the most controversial in the history of America. There isn’t a minute that goes by that I don’t hear people talking about it or posting their opinion about it on social media. What’s been really interesting to me though is the utter hate each side has for the other.

You see I believe we need to stop worrying so much about whether or not the president is a good person but are we good people?

I think you’d be surprised to know that my answer to that question is a no. The people of this nation need to take a look at themselves before being able to decide on a presidential candidate. It is ridiculous to me that people actually hate other people just because of their political beliefs. Americans are attacking other Americans over politics.

If this isn’t the real issue, I don’t know what is.

The real problem is that there is an abundance of hypocrisy and blame, and a lack of kindness being practiced by the American people.

We are constantly calling out others for flaws in their arguments. Instead, we should listen and be respectful of their opinions. This nation will get nowhere with a bunch of people who think they are the only ones who should be heard.

I can’t tell you how different my views are compared to my friends, yet I don’t hate them. I am extremely close to people whose beliefs are radically different than mine. And that’s okay. Life is about so much more than what someone else has to say about Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. When it comes down to it, we are all living breathing human beings with hearts and minds that deserve to be treated with respect.

Can you imagine what the world would be like if people would throw away this hatred and practice kindness during a time of uncertainty?

I’m not trying to go all hippie peace and love on you. But I am trying to urge the importance of being kinder to people who are just as human as you are.

All I am saying is to take a minute and think about what’s important. Be kind to others regardless of their political beliefs. Actually, be kind to others regardless of everything. If this nation could stop being so selfish and be kind we might actually get somewhere. Until then I think that we will just continue in the downward spiral we are in.

And what’s crazy is if you think about it, trying to be a little kinder really can’t hurt. It can only help. So my only hope is that this nation can turn things around. That this nation can realize that there is more to worry about than who will be elected. Yes, the election is important. IT is extremely important. But so is the way we treat others. Because that affects not only the nation as a whole but our own hearts and minds. The hearts of our nation are at risk right now. What are we going to do about it?

Because the issue here isn’t with who will rule our country, the issue is what will rule our hearts.

Is it hatred? Or is it kindness?