It seems that everyone you bump into, talk to or eavesdrop on via social media has an opinion on where our country is headed these days. I don’t need to see a poll to know how many are worried or be persuaded that statistics are still high in support of certain politicians. I witness the fear, paranoia and disgust daily. I don’t need convincing either way.

The thing that bothers me most about it though, is how bitter and hateful people I have grown to know, admire, trust and even LOVE have become toward each other in such a short amount of time.

I can talk about my true feelings and fears to family and very closest of friends without fear of resentment, blame, or bitterness. Outside of those few, I am at a loss. Day in and day out I’ve seen heated debates, arguments, finger pointing and arrogance displayed publicly among folks that I respected and valued opinions from – on Twitter alone. I am afraid to imagine how the behavior must be in other environments.

Since the time of the Presidential Election Primaries, I have felt great pressure to watch what I say and how I say it, in fear of accidentally offending others. I have kept my personal feelings private in fear of being labeled something I was not and never have been. I had hoped it would improve after the election was over. My relationships now feel extremely strained.

Now, I’d just like to set the record straight. I probably didn’t vote for the same person you did. I probably don’t support the same causes that you do. I might not even believe in the same creator as you. Why does it bother you? I respect you each despite your different opinions and beliefs. I may not agree with you, but I RESPECT YOUR FREEDOM to have those differences.

I’m just as worried as each of you about the future of our great country and the implications the present actions will have upon ourselves and future generations. I want my great country to at least have the same opportunities and freedoms in the future that it has now.

I WANT my country back. I want to struggle WITH you all, not against you. I want you to be moved and inspired, too.

Watch the video below if you haven’t, yet. If you watched it when I posted it yesterday, watch it again.

If you love America and you love your freedom, you’ll be moved also. It doesn’t matter what you believe or who you voted for. You’ll have goose bumps and you’ll be on the brink of tears by the end. You’ll want your country back, too.

I WANT MY FRIENDS BACK.
Join the 9/12 Project with me.