A New Generation

You know, out of all the hot-button issues and all the back and forth fighting, there is a simpler and much more reasonable explanation as to why the Republican party is in shambles. It doesn't have anything to do with policy or an unpopular president or the base of the party. It has to do with dividing people.

The Republican party stopped listening. They drew a line in the sand and said you're either with us, or you're against us, and if you're against us, you're un-American. They questioned the patriotism of Americans who simply had a different view or disagreed. People who questioned the status quo or the leaders they elected were simply labeled as crazy liberals. People who wanted more financial oversight or who wanted health care, were labeled as socialists. And if you're a person who doesn't believe in God or the Bible, well you might as well be a terrorist. The Republican party has separated people, they have labeled people, and they have divided people. In their effort to define themselves as a party, in their effort to obtain an identity, they closed the door on so many people who simply wanted to be heard.

I don't always agree with the Democratic party or their policies. But I know that there is always a seat at their table waiting for me. I don't have to pass a litmus test or have to meet preconditions in order for them to listen. And if we disagree on something, my patriotism is never put into question. I'm not going to be labeled and I'm not going to be invalidated. My ideas and perspectives, whether agreed or disagreed on, will at least be acknowledged as my right as an individual, and as an American.

This country is starting to change, and the Republican party has stopped listening. I come from a new generation, a generation where acceptance is more important than ideals. Where differences are welcome, where uniqueness and individuality are embraced. Where there is a seat at the table for me no matter what I think and feel, and there's a seat next to me for anyone else what wants to be heard; where all are welcome regardless. I can't speak for my entire generation, but I don't want a culture war. I don't want an "us" and "them" situation, and I don't want a divided America.

I am from a new generation, a generation who has learned that they now have a voice. I'm from a generation who doesn't identify with one political party, a generation who appreciates and accepts differences. Where you can have pink hair, or believe in many gods, or have tattoos, or go to church every Sunday, or whoever you choose to be. My generation is the future of this country, and we are active in so many new ways. We may not be out on the streets, but we're connecting with millions of other people instantly. Some might call us liberal, others might call us young and naive. But one thing is for certain; we don't like to be labeled. We understand how that divides people, and that's not an America we want for ourselves or our children.

After this election, there is no doubt that we are the future of this country. There is no doubt that we are a force to be heard. And as active and loud as we are, we also listen. We respect and appreciate people for our similarities as well as our differences. Our paths and ideas transcend all levels of society. Republicans better start listening. Democrats better keep inviting us to the table. And trust me, if neither makes good on their promise, we'll make sure and find a party who does.