Folks, the election is upon us. Some have high hopes for our country’s path, some are less than hopeful. There have even been those who have ventured to say that this is the season finale of America. But I have hopes for the America I want to see, after the election.

My namesake, John Wesley, summed up my opinion in three points, when he urged those who vote:

“1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy
2. To speak no evil for the person they voted against, and
3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those on the other side.”

In the immediate aftermath of the election, I hope that Americans will remain civil. We must remember that no matter who wins the election, we are all Americans. The Presidency, while a powerful position, is just one position. True change can and does come from the people. If your candidate does not win, do not despair. You can continue promoting your beliefs in other productive ways.

It is my firm belief that Hillary Clinton will become the next President of the United States. For some, that is amazing news to hear, for others, it may sound like the end of the world. For me, it is a little more complicated. Clinton was not the candidate I wanted. I was a Sanders man, through and through. But I respect the democratic process and have stood behind Hillary since her nomination. I do not agree with all of her positions, but I will work tirelessly to ensure that all of the issues that are important to me are represented in our national politics.

I have one final thing to add for those who think they are not a part of the political process; you are. Whether you like it or not, everything about you is political. Your job, gender, location and every other defining factor about you is political. Politicians are making decisions every day based on those factors. Inaction does not help you, it only helps them. Be active, make your own decisions and please remember to vote.