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Black people are not the problem with this country, cops are not the problem, gays are not the problem, white people are not the problem, Democrats or Republicans are not the problem, neither are Christians or muslims.

We are the problem.

One man cannot make or keep America great — it takes a nation.

Intolerance is a problem.

We don’t have to agree or be the same.

God only knows I don’t want to live in a world where we are all the same, especially in a world where everyone is like me.

I would love to live in a world where we can tolerate each other for who we are.

Acceptance is the key.

We need to have more dialogue in this country where we can have conversations without arguing or fear offending someone.

Having discussions, not arguments.

I am a Democrat, but I vote for whomever I think will do a better job. I have voted for Republicans and other party candidates.

No, I did not or will not vote for Trump but that should be OK. I shouldn’t be mocked or ridiculed for my choices.

I don’t care who you vote for, so why care who I vote for?

I have friends of every political party. I have friends from many races and religious beliefs. I have gay friends. Many of these friends are also family or I consider them part of my extended family.

There was a time in my life I had a lot of anger. I gave up on God and myself.
If I can change, anyone can.

I don’t necessarily think people need to change there beliefs, but maybe there attitudes.

Let’s tolerate differences, let’s accept others. Let’s find a way to unite.

Remember one of our country’s mottos: “United we stand, divided we fall” — and boy are we falling.

Only we can fix this. One group or religion, nor one political party, can fix what’s wrong.

We all have to come together regardless of our beliefs or differences and together we can make positive change or achieve peace and harmony.

Paul Stanbrook
Albemarle