It seems just like yesterday.

A little over eight years ago I was a student at Wayne State College and witnessed the historic 2008 presidential election that ushered in Barack Obama.

It was such a cool time to be a college student, and it’s something that I will never forget. When Obama assumed the office, there was a sense of unity that hadn’t been seen since the 9/11 terrorism attacks.

I didn’t vote for Obama in 2008 or 2012, however, I fully supported President Obama because he was my president. Just like the millions of people who didn’t cast their vote for Obama, I gave him a fair chance.

As we enter 2017 and the beginning of the Donald Trump presidency (it’s important to note that I did not vote for Trump or Clinton— I voted for Gary Johnson), I’ve been troubled with what I’ve read, watched and generally observed since Trump won the election.

The rhetoric from the left has been absolutely embarrassing and un-American. I fully support the right to protest.

However, it’s not a constitutional right to riot and destroy someone’s property.

When the right protested after Obama assumed office, it was done in a peaceful and organized manner. The result was the Tea Party movement, which has influence in Washington.

Instead, the intolerant Left will become the voice of the Democratic Party, if it hasn’t already.

The riots are one thing, but the garbage being spewed from the media and other Democratic politicians after the election topped the cake.

Russia.

What proof is there that the Russians managed to brainwash and convince 60 million people to vote for Trump?

I’m from a small town in central Nebraska and find it hard to believe that Vladimir Putin managed to change the mind of my 75-year-old neighbor, who built his business from scratch, now manages more 50 people and carved out his piece of the American Dream.

I have all the respect in the world for people who fought for the Civil Rights struggle and continue to fight it.

However, just like how Senator John McCain has been criticized despite being a military hero, Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis is not immune to criticism.

The NBC interview in which Lewis said that Trump wasn’t the legitimate president and the Russians affected the candidacy of Hillary Clinton is unfortunate.

As I look back at the 2008 election and compare it to 2016, it’s disheartening.
Respect for different opinions is gone. Civility disappeared. No one should be scared of being vilified for sharing their views.

Dennis Driscoll is a 2010 alumnus of Wayne State College.