2016: A Year to Think for Yourself

With the election season coming up, there is much to be said. From the loud mouth of Donald Trump, to the plain ignorance of issues by the rest of the Republican field, many Americans are being split between sanity, and boisterous rhetoric. The key is to not fall victim to emotional appeal based on fear.
2015 was a year of mass shootings, islamaphobia, and economic progress. Issues were raised over political correctness, terrorists sneaking into the U.S. As a refugee from the disorder in the middle east, and the gun control vs gun rights lobbies fighting over the best way to handle the mass shootings that killed thousands last year. All while the Obama administration worked tirelessly to strengthen the economy, lower unemployment, and raise the minimum wage.
I can write fact after fact from whatever sources to show why democrats are doing the right thing, and why Republicans and Trump are wrong. But for every statistic I can find, conservatives have some backwards logic to defend their position to do nothing, or to move backwards in time. So rather than sit here and type out some long winded argument, I ask of all who see this post to simply look up basic facts yourself. If you see a post on facebook, or some statement by a candidate on tv, and you don't know if its correct or not, use google. Google it, and see what you find. Consider the sources, look at the data, compare multiple sources. Make your own decision with your own mind, rather than blindly follow someone because they share your ideology. Don't be afraid to speak up and tell somebody they're wrong, don't be afraid to argue with facts. Watch for half-truths, and fancy words, or even simple words. Look at the big picture, instead of small snippets. Think for yourself. Do this and maybe you'll realize your original ideology may not have been one you actually believe in. This is a civic duty that each and every American should practice. It's your country, make the decision that will lead to a country you want, not what some business man wants. It will make everybody that much better off.
I hope for a better year this year for every human, and for America itself.