Norene Austin: We must change the tenor of this shameful election

I am 64 years old and have been voting since first able to at age 21. I have never seen the likes of this presidential election, both in the voters and candidates. It is shameful and disrespectful.

It is time to put the divisiveness and animosity aside. We do not have to agree but we do have to respect one another’s right to support the candidate of our choosing. Instead of insulting, protesting and name-calling, how about putting that energy into supporting the candidate of your choice.

I have been guilty of posting insulting memes on social media and saying negative things about several candidates. I will no longer do this and I apologize. It is time for the candidates to focus on what they plan to do if elected, not what the other candidate is or isn’t doing. The office of the president requires intelligence, decorum, patience, knowledge, strength and leadership. The behavior of us all, candidates and citizens alike, is not worthy of the office or our country. Stop the insane political warfare. Stand with me; stand with respect for yourself and each other.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 2:19 PM with the headline "Norene Austin: We must change the tenor of this shameful election."