By Shane Svorec
OPINION ARTICLE
I can’t say I didn’t consider the risks when asked to write an opinion piece as a follow-up to the election. Having family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues I love on both sides of the fence, I respectfully balance my beliefs while considering those of others. Despite enduring, overlooking, and scrolling past many disparaging and offensive posts leading up to the election, my practice is to speak from a place of love while remembering the old pot and kettle saying. Elections prove how divisive and detrimental words can be.
I was taught you should never speak ill of the commander-in-chief. Perhaps this was because I grew up in a military family, or maybe it was just what our family practiced. Still, the feeling was that citizens should never publicly disrespect the president, no matter how they feel or vote. This philosophy sounds old-fashioned now, considering what’s splattered across print, television, and social media feeds today.
I accepted the invitation to write this editorial because I believed it was an opportunity to share a different message, one of hope, truth, and unity written with diplomacy, compassion, and respect. If I could pull it off, the reward outweighed the risks. My integrity and convictions would remain intact and uncompromised if I didn’t. You see, I have lived through terms with presidents I didn’t vote for or particularly like, but they were still “my president” because I am an American proud to live in the land of the free. I recognize that no one candidate will ever make everyone happy; humans are flawed, and there will always be compromises. The best, most qualified leaders are those willing to protect us and our country, persist in upholding the Constitution, and ensure that the work of the government is done efficiently, transparently, and for the good of the people.
Whether you’re one of the 77,302,169 who voted for Donald Trump or not, America has spoken. Regardless of who you voted for, there’s no denying the current state of our country. Many issues must be addressed, situations repaired, and faith in government renewed. This is the second time in U.S. history that a president will serve nonconsecutive terms with a gap of four years. Hopes are high for positive change and progress. If you’re among those feeling optimistic, perhaps it’s because the new administration promises a safer country, stricter borders, a stronger economy, an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, and a vow to put our country, our military, and its citizens first. If you’re fearful, I hope these next four years give you reason to feel renewed peace and assurance. History proves our country “survived” his first term.
As with every election, there are always hot topics and heated discussions, but there are also a lot of gray areas and subject matter that are misconstrued and improperly conveyed, leading to a more significant gap between parties. I blame the media, which has exacerbated political polarization and amplified anger and distrust. Not all Republicans are right-wing, conservative, racist red-necks, and not all Democrats are left-wing, liberal, unpatriotic, socialist snowflakes. *These are not my words but popular societal insults. Emotionally charged headlines, impartial snippets, systematically degrading stereotypes, and a lack of respect are all diluting the American spirit and further dividing not just staunch Republicans and Democrats but all of the red, white, and blue.
The media doesn’t capture those who don’t fit their narrative, which includes Americans from all walks of life, backgrounds, and beliefs. Extremists in both parties lead the charge and amplify division, which is why generalizations and name-calling are dangerous and irresponsible.
Poverty is a great neutralizer and unifier of people. If you’ve ever been forced to stay in a homeless shelter or find ways to secure your next meal, you know that incredible acts of humanity exist that crush preconceived notions and stereotypes. Ask me how I know. Challenges taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and persistence. I understood and valued the gift of living in a country my grandparents legally immigrated to and later fought for, allowing me the opportunity to pursue my dreams and live in freedom. With every student loan payment, I made over many years, I recognized that nothing good in life comes easy or free. I am one of many who don’t fit the stereotypes the media tries to portray of parties.
Our country’s fate and future are not tied to a leader’s personality but to their responsibility to the country and its people. Like him or not, Donald Trump has persevered and displayed strength, resilience, and dedication to America’s success, safety, and future security. While his life has been jeopardized and his family’s peace and privacy compromised, he has returned his salary to our country once and will do so again. He has nothing to gain by putting his life, reputation, and resources on the line other than a promise to serve a country in trouble. It’s time to accept responsibility for what we say and do and its impact.
While I know not everyone shares the same opinions or optimism about the future, we all have a responsibility as Americans to move forward with respect, compassion, and grace.
Love for our country should be greater than hate for any man. As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this inauguration day, his words, “Let no man pull you so low as to hate him,” echo true. If we have any hope for peace in our future, let it begin with us.
I will leave you with this short clip and timely message – “One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things.”
God Bless America and may love and peace be with you all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shane Svorec is a Sales and Marketing Professional who, during Covid, pursued her long-time passion for writing, published her first book, and became an award-winning author. Her work includes Broken Little Believer: Finding Purpose in All the Pretty Painful Pieces, The Busy Bridge That Got Its Break, and Acorn Adventures. An inspirational writer who connects with readers through her colorful storytelling abilities, encouraging messages, and positive perspective, she lives in NJ with her husband, three children, and rescue pets.
