As a young adult, who will be voting in years to come, I am truly let down and disappointed by the leadership when I listen to the news or watch the debates. These candidates are supposed to be examples of leadership and provide guidance to the younger generation, but instead they act like children.

If one were to examine American history, there would be clear evidence of violence and political turmoil in our past. But what sets America apart as a free and democratic society is the occurrence of violence is less prevalent than in other third world countries. But based on many recent events, the high standard that our country is held to seems to be slipping. 

It seems as though the far leaning sectors of the two main political parties have ramped up their rhetoric and slurs toward each other over the past few years. While they are bickering back and forth during debates, their personal attacks are giving the voters no knowledge of where they stand on real issues facing our country.

The future leaders of America should be holding themselves to a higher standard than they currently are. Their tone influences every citizen in the United States. Every American could be easily influenced by something that was said during a debate or rally.

If the leaders of our country throw verbal assaults at each other constantly, who is to say that that type of behavior will not trickle down to the masses? It would not be a stretch to say that the increase in verbal attacks between Democrats and Republicans is a causal factor in the recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump.

America is better than this. We are known as a world leader and viewed as a beacon of light from people all over the world, so it is time we start acting like it.

As the elections draws closer it would be my hope that our chosen leaders would demonstrate a little more restraint and maturity to help thwart off more violence that has already occurred.

No matter what your personal political opinion is, we should all agree that we live in a free democratic society and everyone is entitled to their own opinions. We, as Americans, should hold ourselves to a higher standard and recognize how fortunate we are to live in a country where differing opinions are just that…differing opinions.

The will of the people will eventually prevail on election day, so all of this violence is unnecessarily embarrassing. To the leaders of our political parties, do better. 

As someone who does not have the ability to vote yet, it is sickening to see our country slowly start to plummet, ultimately leaving the younger generation to pick up the pieces.

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