Elections today should most clearly express freedom in America • But they have been tainted by the most non-American emotion there is: fear • Opinion
A quarter of a century ago I became a citizen of the United States. It was made out of love - and not just for my American husband: I also fell in love with the values that make the United States so great.
Archive photo: Reuters
The most tremendous of these values is freedom.
And the strongest expression of freedom is the freedom to be afraid.
It is this freedom that allows generations of American pioneers to explore and discover - the Wild West, the infinity of space, and the magical secrets of science;
It is he who has inspired the designers of liberties in America to continually examine and improve the wonderful democracy that it is;
And he also gave a windfall to US presidents and military leaders to bravely go to war, bringing peace that other leaders might not have been able to achieve.
Today's election should most clearly reflect freedom in America.
A day when U.S. citizens from all walks of life must decide freely and responsibly on their collective future, thereby also influencing the future of the entire world.
But these elections have been tainted by the most un-American emotion there is: fear.
It is seen in the barricades set up in front of shop windows in Manhattan and Washington, and in the unusual deployment of police forces on the streets - all in anticipation of the riots of the day after by frustrated Biden voters, and by other dissatisfied citizens.
And worse, you hear it in the whispering and troubled voice of some of the many Americans who so desperately want President Donald Trump re-elected, when asked who they will vote for.
Those so-called "Trump's ashamed voters," who fear ostracism and boycott, job loss or friendships.
Some even fear for their personal safety - and after all, the intensity of the hostility against Trump as we have witnessed, can reach the point of actual physical violence.
Fear is a tragedy for all Americans, and a poison for the great American vision.
It must stop.
And there is no better time to stop being afraid than now, on election day which becomes a referendum on courage, which is the nasal soul of the United States.
The democratic system allows voting to be secret.
That's a good thing, and I hope and believe with all my heart that counting the votes at the end of the day will show that most Americans are interested in a second term for Trump.
But whatever the outcome, these side effects must not be allowed to intimidate an entire segment of the electorate.
My husband Sheldon likes to say that it is important to stand up for what you believe in proudly and openly, even if it means standing alone.
Trump supporters are by no means alone.
But they will certainly lose some of their souls if they hide their pride, look down and rush home hunched over after the vote.
The coming hours will be a good time for soul-searching and glorifying American social cohesion, overcoming political divisions.
Trump voters, like Biden voters, need to speak freely and stand tall.
We must not expect less of this, and we must welcome it.
Tonight's election results are expected to decide the presidency.
But the way Americans will behave is what will define their image as Americans.
I pray that my fellow citizens will unite, despite the differences.
Let us strengthen the covenant that exists in the United States of America. And in the
words of Rabbi Nachman of Breslav, "the main thing is not to be afraid at all."
