**Opinion**
I recently saw a brief clip of a stadium filled with individuals displaying hatred, and it deeply saddened me to witness the decline of the once-noble anti-slavery Republican Party of Lincoln.
The messages of hate, division, and denigration of people are disturbing, disgraceful, unholy, un-Christian, and un-American.
This troubling sight was steeped in toxic masculinity and heinous racism, evoking grim reflections of the fascist ignorance that has led to horrific crimes against humanity, costing millions of lives through genocide and war.
We must ensure that those horrors are not revisited upon the world, especially in this land of the free and home of the brave.
It's essential that the American dream continues to thrive for our children and future generations; we must not allow it to devolve into a nightmare of cruelty and endless crimes against humanity.
Although the advancements we made in civil rights and human rights have not reached or nurtured all individuals, nor have they filled some hearts with fellowship, we must find a way to live lives filled with grace rather than hate.
I find it difficult to comprehend the lack of compassion and empathy that some individuals have for those who look differently or come from different backgrounds and their inability to see the hearts and minds of all people.
Many of these individuals are likely victims of a sad con—misguided and brainwashed by fabricated falsehoods, fueling unnecessary anger, fear, and hatred toward others.
The way forward, away from a future filled with hate, fear, and strife, is clear.
In this election, we must elect leaders who embody compassion and empathy, individuals who care about people and will nurture grace instead of hate.
This election, we must elect Harris and Walz for a brighter future filled with grace, love, hope, and peace.