Election Woes

Go to your corners and come out swinging, seems to be the attitude many are following as the election approaches. As a person who intends to vote for John Kerry, I have found myself the target of some rather rude or just plain obscene comments. This evening, someone took it upon themselves to place a Bush bumper sticker over my John Kerry sticker. When I discovered the vandalism to my vehicle, my first reaction was anger; would the person who placed that sticker on my vehicle enjoy it if I slapped a gag over their mouth as they stated their support for Bush? 

This country allows for and needs varying opinions in order to function properly. It was designed to permit all citizens to have a voice in how the country is shaped. I have the right to express my opinions through my words and through the display of signs on my personal property, without being subjected to belittlement or vandalism. While I may become frustrated with people who do not agree with me, I respect their right to disagree. I do not tell them to move to another country or that they are going to spend eternity someplace rather unpleasant. I only ask the same consideration from those who oppose my political views. 

I would hope that as we grow closer to this election we drop the street fighter attitudes and focus more on utilizing our minds. People in this country must find a way to listen to each other and to understand that it is acceptable for us to disagree. History has proven that when our country swings too far to either side of the political pendulum things become chaotic and unbalanced. We as citizens must remember that our varying opinions check and balance each other. When we are all allowed to voice what we desire we are better able to find a common ground somewhere in the middle and we all benefit.