Election anger.

Polarization:

A concentration, as of groups, forces, or interests, about two conflicting or contrasting positions.

Romney.  Obama.  For many people these days, one of those two names is enough to incite one's blood to boil.  I come down fairly strongly on this election, but I still have respect for the human dignity of the other candidate, and for those who agree with him.

This is my first chance to vote in a presidential election, but I am shocked by the level of antipathy demonstrated by supporters.  Why does a presidential candidate merit our loss of respect, disdain, and even hatred?  Even worse, why do people hate the supporters of the other candidate?  I would much rather people be informed and vote for the other candidate than to be bullied into voting for a candidate they don't actually support.

To undermine the validity of voting for one of the candidates is to undermine the importance and necessity of voting, and, thus, democracy.  In the long run, maintaining a democracy and advocating the importance of voting is more important than who will govern our country for the next four years.

In my opinion, the thing to support most strongly is the vote of the people, not who these people vote for.  Certainly, we are allowed to maintain our personal views, as I do, but we have to ultimately want and respect what the majority chooses.

Patriotically,

Amy

PS - I welcome any constructive criticism, as well as comments on why this election is so heated!