I just want to start this by saying that I hate politics for so many reasons. I hate how politicians give off the air of being superior to the rest of us when they technically work for us. I hate that they get all of the high-quality perks while making mediocre decisions for the rest of us. I hate that to get anything done on an issue they care about, they have to give in on an issue someone else cares about. I hate the misperceptions, the misconceptions, and the nonstop media coverage.
Even more than all of that, I hate how much it divides us. Maybe after this article you’re going to hate me. Maybe you’ll never read anything I write ever again. But honestly, do you remember the last conversation you had about politics that ended well?
In case you’re still reading this because you’re hoping to find out who I’m going to vote for this November, you won’t. Know why? Honestly, I’m afraid to say it out loud. This year more than ever, people are being condemned for their political choices. I’m not joking when I say that lifelong friendships are being discarded without a second thought. When did different opinions become wrong opinions? Do you think we’ve become the country we are because everyone ever had the same exact opinion? Why do we all have to agree now?
It’s no secret that the political climate in this country has reached a fever pitch. It’s starting to feel like the powers that be actually want us to be divided. How does that quote go?
‘United we stand, divided we fall.’
Let’s not fall. Let’s agree that it’s okay if you like green and I like purple. Maybe a more apt analogy would be you can like Holsteins and I can like Jerseys. I’m not trying to tell you how to vote or what to think; I’m trying to tell you to be good people. Share your toys, don’t call each other names, and don’t put your hands on your friends. Listen to your parents and brush your teeth before you go to bed. Above everything else, remember the golden rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated.
The author dairies in partnership with her parents and brother at Spruce Row Farm in Pennsylvania. Jessica is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, and since 2015, she has been active in promoting dairy in her local community. You can find her and her 250 Jersey cows on Facebook at Spruce Row Dairy or on Instagram at @seejessfarm.