Remember we are all neighbors

The framers of our Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech and expression to the citizens of the United States with the First Amendment, which reads, in part, “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech.”

As I watch this year’s election process I sometimes need to remind myself of my First Amendment rights.

That’s not to say I can say whatever I want, whenever I want, without regard to the thoughts of others, but I can express my opinion.

There have honestly been times in the last few months where I’ve been afraid to express that opinion because so many have taken their passion for one candidate or another or one initiative or another to such an extreme that differing viewpoints are bombarded with negative comments bordering on hatred.

Let us all remember that in the end, no matter who is elected or what passes or not, we are a community.

Don’t allow your passion to blind you to your neighbor or the person in front of you at the grocery store.

We do not have to agree on everything, and imagine how boring life would be if we did, but don’t let your voice drown out the voices of others.

“If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die.” Maya Angelou