Americans, you’re being lied to.

A thread.

They say we want to disband police departments (and that we hate the police): we don’t, that’s a lie. We want to weed out racism and unnecessary police brutality and for those who abuse their power to be held accountable.

They say we want to release all prisoners: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want to weed out racism and ensure the punishments match the crimes and to deprivatize prisons.

They say we want open borders: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want asylum seekers to be given their chance to seek asylum. We want to help people who are coming from unimaginable terror and poverty help to give them the opportunities we have.

We want to ensure children aren’t separated from their parents and that nobody is kept in cages. But we do want proper vetting. We want trials. We want appropriate justice.

They say we want to take away your guns: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want logical gun regulations to help prevent mass shootings. We want tougher penalties when your gun harms other humans.

They say we want to wage a war on Christianity and Christian values: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want people of all religions to be able to practice and worship freely.

They say we want to get everything for free: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want to work hard and make sure that healthcare and education are accessible and affordable for all.

They say we want a war against traditional marriage: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want people of all sexual orientations to be able to love freely, no matter who you love.

They say we want to destroy or rewrite history: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want to recognize the ugly parts of our past and do everything we can to say “that’s not okay, let’s not honor those aggressors, let’s not let those things happen again”.

They say we want to take away your constitutional rights: we don’t, that’s a lie. We choose to believe science and wear masks and try to prevent the spread of this disease.

They say we hate America: we don’t, that’s a lie. We love America. We just recognize our faults and want us to do better, be better. Always.

Stop with the us vs. them. Stop with the straw man arguments. Our position is one of empathy, compassion and logic. Stop believing the hype. Stop with the division. Just because we want equality for all doesn’t mean we want to take anything away from you.

Opportunity is not like a pizza. Giving some to others doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty for you. America is a place for anyone that wants to be here.

If your politicians are spending more time scaring you than finding solutions, you should ask for new politicians.

Vote.