Harrison Baer
So, tomorrow is election day. I can honestly say I am grateful and relieved to not be in the States at the moment. I can already picture my dad staying up far past midnight, terrified by the election results. I can see people gathering at polling stations each sporting their respective party propaganda. And more clearly than anything, I can see these people sneering in disgust at others wearing the enemy’s shirts. This image makes me sick to my stomach.
The 2024 election may be the most important in American history. We are in the midst of the worst climate crisis in history, on the verge of artificial intelligence becoming smarter than any human, enduring a deadly war in the Middle East, and, on top of all that, our country is more divided than ever. The world is on the brink of an unpredictable, seismic change, and the direction America takes will shape not just the next four years but maybe the coming decades.
One act everyone must take tomorrow is not up for debate. You must go out and vote. It doesn’t matter which candidate you support; what matters is that you exercise your right to have a say. This is your chance to stand up for your beliefs, your values, and the people you care about. My wish for this election is that citizens vote for a future they can believe in, not out of fear, spite, or anger. Vote for who you think will help create a better world for everyone.
As our country stands at this crossroad, one thing is clear to me. More than ever, we need powerful leadership that will go to every, and any, extent to protect, progress, and preserve the American community as a whole. We need a government dedicated to creating a sense of community across party lines. The alienation and hostility between Democrats and Republicans is undermining our collective progress and potential. We need a government that will reinforce the notion that we are not enemies, but fellow Americans. We are stronger together than apart. Right now, our greatest weakness lies in not living up to our own name. We are no longer the United States. We are simply “the States of America.”
So, how do we regain our title? What are the next steps towards becoming a nation where the good of the many outweigh personal gain and greed? The answer lies not solely in the election results. America’s power has always come from the people, not just from one leader. And unity among the people requires openness, respect, and acceptance of our differences.
Now is time to relinquish our preconceived notions of opposing parties, and willingly weigh the opinions of others. If you’re an Upstate South Carolina resident you’re in luck. Upstate International currently hosts a speaker series called Beyond the Headlines, which is an opportunity to gain deeper insights into current world events, enabling participants to better understand issues that may affect how they vote. This event offers a nonpartisan platform for education and civil discourse on critical global issues. Academic experts will deliver fact based, unbiased information to the Upstate community, and take your questions, inviting you to develop your own opinions.
Beyond the Headlines is a direct counterattack on the pervasive misinformation that hinders productive political conversation and the chance for a united community. This is the first step towards the realization that opposing ideas are valuable and deserving of welcome.
The sooner we can rebuild trust between Americans, trust that will strengthen our communities and nation as a whole, the sooner we will become a unified and prosperous United States of America.
Let’s stop sneering at each other. Let’s listen to one another. Let’s end these destructive attacks towards our opponents, and instead engage in constructive deliberation towards a solution that leaves both parties proud.
If we can transform our exploitation into reconciliation, we will realize a united United States is the most powerful and prosperous community in the world.
