The Choice of Our Nation

On November 5th, 2024, we as citizens of the United States of America make a choice. A choice with consequences that will linger through generations. Will we elect our first female president? Will we choose a national vision centered on the right to self-determination for every American regardless of race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, political association, or gender? A future where all Americans have the dignity “to make choices, especially those about heart and home, and not have their government tell them what to do” as declared by Madame Vice President Harris. Or will we choose a vision for this country of prejudice, conformity, and authoritarianism? 

I respect the right to differing opinions. Respect for diversity is a fundamental principle of liberalism, defined as the "willingness to accept or appreciate behaviors or opinions that differ from one's own." If you oppose abortion due to religious beliefs, I uphold and advocate for your right to live according to that belief. If a law were proposed to force women to abort children against their will, I would stand on the picket line with you. However, just as a Christian stay-at-home mother of four should not be forced to live according to my beliefs as an Agnostic, childfree woman, I should not be obligated to live according to her views either. I yearn for a time when we are no longer ruled by the tyranny of the majoritarian but accept one another's differences without a need to change and control them.

A Harris win will only be the beginning of the pursuit for an equitable state. There’s ample work yet to do: voter suppression, political bribes and corruption, a failing two-party system, lax labor protections, inaccessible healthcare, unaffordable housing, attacks on human rights, a rising climate crisis, and colonialist international policies (amongst many issues). Under a Trump administration, this work will be suppressed, stalled, and politically stifled. Trump endangers the day-to-day realities of millions of Americans, especially our most vulnerable, like immigrants and single mothers. He and his cohort abhor diversity. They celebrate hatred.

The outcome of this election extends beyond politics; It will divulge the heart of this country and the people who call it home. If we elect Harris, we can strengthen our nation by establishing a foundation of tolerance, diversity, and the pursuit of happiness — a manifestation of the loftiest ideals upon which this nation was built: justice and liberty for all. Overcoming the widespread injustices that occurred throughout history and continuously persist in this country to foster an American dream genuinely accessible to everyone. A dream rooted in the trust and respect of our fellow citizens. If Trump is elected, we cave to the worst of our nation’s hierarchical tendencies. Repeating a cycle of systematic oppression and othering of minority communities. We choose bigotry over liberty.

On November 5th, we as citizens have the choice between respect or intolerance, a choice between subjugation or liberation, between our highest ideals and our poorest inclinations. Will you choose life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Will you choose the freedom to make your own choices about heart and home? Will you choose to honor the humanity of your fellow Americans? I hope for the sake of our country you do.