Is the divisive culture in the US arming our adversaries?

Dear Fellow Americans,

As I sit here in my apartment room across from the beautiful and sunny campus of Coastal Carolina, and I sit and began to think, what has led a country founded on the idea of unity, peace, strength can be so divided and broken. I also sit and think about how this looks to the rest of the world. How does someone in the United Kingdom see this? How does someone living in the Russian Federation see this? How does someone in Hong Kong see this?

I then realized that even worse than those countries' views of how we are acting as a whole are the radicalized groups using this as a way to undermine one of the greatest social and political experiments. They will and most likely are using this to recruit future radicals to attack any American or Westerner. If you really think about everything going on it wouldn’t be a surprise.

Just think for a minute, if you were a leader of, let us say the Islamic State or even a leader of a cell within the Islamic State or any radicalized group these actions being taken by both sides are the greatest ammunition you could ever ask for! The videos of violence and civil unrest, the constant political bickering, and failures of the government to provide the most basic fundamental resources needed for conflict resolution such as providing and mediating the civil discourse between both sides.

Now at the same time, we as the citizens of this country must act civilized and realize that not everyone you meet will and does share the same political, cultural, and or religious beliefs as you. We often hear about how we are the melting pot of cultures from around the world yet somehow, we forget that this means that we will always have different views on many different and often difficult topics.

Also, we need to remember that everyone is entitled to the right to list out and let their grievances be known, but also remember that letting them be known is the first step. You then must act! This action must be peaceful, instead of burning things, destroying property, and creating divisive dialogue.

Instead, you have this beautiful right which so many Americans of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and religious views have died for. This is the right to vote! You must vote! Not just for the President or our Congressional leaders but for all of the local leaders as well. Many may not realize but your everyday life is not just controlled by the people in the "Almighty" Washington D.C., but by the city councils, chambers, and many other local officials.

Most of our Judicial system is based on the people we elect, either by direct election such as a District Attorney or whatever your municipality or county refers to the prosecuting attorney. At the same time many mayors, governors, or other officials are responsible for appointing chiefs of police, judges, and others. All of which have a huge part and say in everyday policing and judicial proceedings.

In review, we all need to learn to be better at listening to grievances when given, compassionate to other's struggles, and understanding of everyone’s different yet beautiful beliefs, customs, and cultures. We need to hold everyone to the standard that all men, women, and children are entitled and owed the most basic human rights, which are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

It is only when we all unite and work together, that we will find solutions to many of these complex and difficult issues. If we as a nation fail to come together and figure out positive and meaningful solutions we will for certain face the extinction of our great republic and democracy. Another way to say this would be one of the most famous quotes, sayings, and cries from 1776, "Unite or Die!".

Sincerely, Cameron Hawkins

p.s. For all of the younger people who are able, I would recommend and be prepared to volunteer at your local polling stations. Many of the people who usually volunteer are not going to be able or may choose not to due to the current pandemic.

Also for those that want to vote but are either not going to be local, such as college students, or those who are not ready to stand in public to wait. Request your ballots now if possible! If you don't trust them getting to the election board in time many can be delivered in person beforehand to your local registrar as well. In other words with the mass variety of ways to get your vote in the only way at least, I hope the only way you don't get your vote counted, would be if you just didn't vote at all.