The election year is upon us and we've already seen some pretty tough rhetoric and signs of severe fractures within the GOP. In these primaries, conservative idealism seems to be the flavor of choice, with those candidates willing to side with the more extreme fringes taking the lead. This is a sign that we're in for a nasty general election which may potentially bring this country closer to a more violent election process since the Civil Rights movement in the 1960's.

We already see racial and religious bigotry rearing its ugly head, and I believe many in this country have forgotten the principles on which this nation is founded. Freedom is not only for the religious, or those of a certain color or ethnicity; freedom is for all, and we must protect the rights and liberties of all Americans.

We must not create laws, especially those dealing with reproductive rights, that cater only to conservative Christians. The United States is a melting pot for many religions, and many in this country are rather secular in their daily lives, even though they may publicly profess to having religious faith.

Women need to really pay attention to what's happening here, because many of these idealistic battles are directly impacting woman's rights issues. I think many women in this country have forgotten that Women's Rights were nearly as hard-fought as African American Rights, and they risk losing many of these rights by blindly voting for candidates who disproportionately cater to the wishes of extreme conservative minorities.

I also see conservative candidates pandering to racist factions who are more angry with the fact that our president is "half black" than they are with any issue that actually affects their lives. Extreme Racism in the South is a reality that is barely under the surface, and by giving power back to hardcore racists, we risk turning back the amazing progress we've made in this area over the last 50 years.

I hope that the good will of what I call "real Americans" prevails in this election season. These are citizens who actually believe that all men and women are created equal, and that the rights of all Americans should be protected from special interests and bigotry. Let us agree to disagree on controversial issues, and do our best to find common ground that moves our country ahead in a peaceful and prosperous manner.