rachelrain

No, this is not a great day for democracy. In fact, it's just the opposite. There's nothing great about anything when half the country thinks that there's something wrong with its president. If you don't recognize that, then there's something wrong with your way of thinking. The country is very sharply divided and there's a chance that this rift won't be mended. Ever.

I would like to make this a positive experience, though. Starting today, I'm going to try to get more involved in my community, including local politics. This election has taught me that we as citizens can have a huge impact on our neighborhoods, cities, states, and the entire nation, and I'm going to embrace that. The most beautiful thing about living in a free country is that we're all able to have our own opinions. You can think anything you want, and as long as your actions don't deprive someone of their civil liberties or their dignity, I won't have a problem with you. But if you resort to petty, spiteful, or harmful behavior just because you don't agree with my way of thinking, well, that's another matter entirely.

For those people that have decided to "unfriend" me because of my political beliefs, that's fine. I understand, really I do. It's tough to listen to someone whose viewpoint differs so sharply from your own.

But at least I raise my voice, challenge my leaders to do their job - and do it right - and get out there and fight for the things I believe in. And that, my friends, is what democracy is all about.

When all of us decide to take part in building a stronger America, well, that will indeed be a great day for democracy.