Post Election Facebook Drama "post" aka my personal Op/Ed Piece

Dear Friends,
I have not gotten into one argument over politics since the election AND I have not lost one Facebook friend either. Perhaps because I avoid all divisive topics or perhaps (more likely) it is a testament to my Facebook friends, at least I hope.

Other than a general “coming together” post the other day I have not discussed the election results at all. However after reading a friends post today regarding all the negative and hateful drama on her thread it inspired me to write something, so thanks Tracy for acting as an impetus.

As I mentioned in my earlier post I was not a fan of either candidate, so I am not biased. However I do have a couple things to say…and if you're wondering “who am I” to share my opinion? The answer is this, no one special, just a person, a single mom of 2 teen boys who strives and struggles to do right every day, a citizen, and an American.

So for those that are having protests and riots. Aren't you acting in the exact opposite fashion of what you claim to want? Peace, fairness, equality? I think there's a big difference between valid peaceful protests for moral reasons versus throwing a tantrum because you didn't get what you wanted which brings me to my main theme.

This is directed to those of you who have said “What am I going to tell my kids?” First off, if you don't know what to tell your kids I think you may have bigger fish to fry in general.

But in case you need some help here you go. This is what you tell your kids, what you should have been telling them their whole life and what you should continue to tell them. We live in the United States of America, the greatest country in the world. It is a republic and we have a democratic election system steeped in tradition so as to be fair and impartial for “WE THE PEOPLE” to decide our leader. There will be a winner and a loser, every time. There is not a participation trophy for all.

What should you tell your kids?
That things happen in this world all the time, good and bad, and that we are only in charge of our own reactions. We can be mad or upset but we have to control our emotions and actions. That they should respect others of every race, creed and origin. That they should always try to help others and always try to be kind. That things won't always go the way they want and that they need to learn to deal with it. That they should always try to see the good in everyone and try their best to overlook the negatives. That if they are unhappy with something they should reach out in a constructive way to facilitate change. Speak up, speak out and always be respectful. That you get further with honey than vinegar. That the sun will rise tomorrow and that this too shall pass. That faith, peace, and love are not just words but a way of life. And that there are always things to be grateful for if you just open your eyes and look around. Fingers crossed.