Election season is an ideal time for feelings, emotions and stereotypes to form and fester inside individuals toward the prospective candidates. By the time actual Election Day rolls around, most voters have stronger feelings toward one candidate; many take that strong feeling to a whole new level and become obsessed, crazed and deeply involved, almost making the campaign their own personal endeavor.

These feelings are good, and we give props to those who are involved and are taking interest in the issues that will face the president-to-be, but these feelings also have the ability to bring about harsh repercussions when that passionate individual’s beloved candidate does not win the election.

Anyone who ventured into the world of social media soon after the election results were called and President Barack Obama was reelected witnessed some serious backlash aimed at this decision. There were countless posts of hateful comments, disrespectful slang terms thrown the president’s way, and intense disappointment and hopelessness expressed about this country and all those who voted for Obama.

The disappointment in the election outcome has even lead to citizens of many states taking drastic steps to try and secede from the union and form new government. According to the Washington Post, most of the petitions come from states that supported Mitt Romney in the election; however, a few swing states and some from the deep blue North have joined the trend. Petitions have been filed for 20 states, and two of them, Texas and Louisiana, are close to hitting the threshold of 25,000 signatures in 30 days, in which the White House will officially consider the petition.

This is ridiculous.

What happened to the prestige, respect, and honor that the position the president of the United States held? Article II of the U.S. Constitution goes into great detail of the regulations, guidelines, and powers the president shall hold. If anyone has forgotten just how important and respected this position is to be, go take a quick read, and you’ll surely be reminded.

There was once a time that regardless of the outcome of the election, the elected officer was respected by all. Regardless of your party affiliation, your moral beliefs, or your socioeconomic status, you should admire the position of the president of the United States and whoever is elected to fill those shoes. Don’t even think for a second you could run that office flawlessly. And, to the petition starters in Louisiana and Texas, we hope you’re ready for all that is to follow if you truly succeed in seceding from the Union. Maybe, the new president of those “countries” will finally regain an appreciation for America’s president.