BONBRO

I haven't been much of a social media sharer about this election, but here goes...

Our nation is built on the foundation of a democratic vote, and I always get a little misty-eyed at the fact that we get to do this. I love being in a room with a complete and representative cross-section of my neighbors, especially in NYC when we don't often have that chance.

By voting, we choose a constant refinement of our Republic. In the presidential election specifically, we use it to identify what we value, and which direction the refinement of the Republic should take in the coming four years. Maybe I'm idealistic, but in this country I didn't think we voted out anger, to punish people who don't look, or think, or pray like us, or to attempt to tear down the government because we don't completely agree with it or understand it. Democracy is hard work, and there are no easy answers.

Ok, I'm definitely idealistic, but I certainly didn't think we voted for candidates that were woefully inept, unprepared, and uninterested in the deeply challenging job of the President, even if seems a simple way to "send a message" to those in government who have done the hard work, but who have done it in the service of marginally different ideals. I didn't think we "held our noses" to vote for someone with repulsive beliefs, no moral compass, and a pathological level of self-interest, just to get the supreme court justices appointed that we agree with.

I was proven wrong by a lot of people this year, who may truly believe that we live in a horrible, shattered, second-rate country and that burning it down with a poisoned vote is the only way out. But I disagree, and I have my vote.

I cast my vote because I don't have to hold my nose. I believe in the positive view of our growing, prosperous, and multicultural nation. I believe immigration makes us great. I believe that people who look different, who have different background and beliefs can talk to and learn from each other, taking us out of our bubbles of our own self-interest. I believe that means we must constantly work for truly equal rights for minorities and our LGBTQ friends and neighbors, even if it means taking a hard look at persistent economic and social inequalities, at policing strategies, and at understanding the right side of history.

I believe in a leader who has chosen to do the hard work for years on end, even as it has brought every personal and political issue -- and yes, every smile, fashion choice, and haircut -- under the searing glare of the public eye. I believe that policy wonks are important if you expect a system that actually works better for more people--improving jobs, healthcare, child care, education, infrastructure, and so much more. I believe we should vote for a better future, not out of anger or confusion that the future doesn't look exactly like the past. I believe the right leader will move us forward.