We must pledge to accept vote’s outcome

As we approach the election, the United States is happening upon a crossroads. Not one that will force us to choose between Donald Trump or Joe Biden, between an independent or radical Supreme Court, or even between right-wing nationalism or left-wing socialism. President Trump may win re-election, or Vice President Biden may rise to the presidency, but in either case whatever policies, regulations, or even laws that are enacted may be reversed by future executives and Congresses.

Rather, the crossroads we are nearing will force the American people to choose between a path leading towards unity and civility, or a path that leads to increased polarization, divisiveness, chaos, and potentially civil war. Many might consider this far-fetched, impossible. But recent events suggest otherwise.

Are not cries of, “Not my president!” by liberal activists indicative of the inability by many to accept our current federal government’s legitimacy? Has not our current president openly considered not accepting the results of this election? Do the actions of our politicized Department of Justice not seem eerily similar to policing methods in corrupt and dictatorial countries?

Have not debates over recent appointments to the Supreme Court become more and more partisan? Are not liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, more often than not openly hostile to each other despite common identities as Americans?

More important than the election itself are the actions of all Americans, from government leaders to average citizens, in the days that follow. The first step in healing this nation is to respect the outcome in November. Regardless of who wins, the American people must be united in their calls to accept the outcome, lest the foundations of our beloved republic begin to crumble.