What Now?
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to supporters as he takes the stage for a campaign event in Dallas, Monday, Sept. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Today the U.S. has a new president-elect. His name is Donald Trump.
The news came around 2 a.m. with shock and horror from half the country because although Trump won the necessary 270 electoral votes, Hillary narrowly won the popular vote. I’m not abashed in my political views. I’m a strong and proud “bleeding heart liberal.” In the primaries my vote was for Bernie, but when he lost I became a supporter of Hillary. As a college student I was thrilled with her plan for higher education. As a woman, an ally, and an American, I am fearful of our new presidents’ policies and ideas.
He wants to build a wall, he wants to deport all illegal immigrants, he’s not onboard with a woman’s right to choose, and he seems unconcerned by police brutality towards minorities.
The list goes on and on.
However this man is going to be our new president and I can’t jump on board with the #NeverMyPresident, #NotMyPresident movement. To say that would be burying my head in the sand. If I’m living in the U.S.A. then he is my president, like it or not.
The beautiful thing about America is that we have the freedom of speech. Our voices can be heard. We still live in a democracy; this country is not run by one person. There are checks and balances as well as three branches of government for a reason.
So what am I to do? What is anyone who doesn’t identify as a white male to do?
As I look into the star studded sky walking out of my last class for the evening a wind hits me, and I’m struck by how beautiful the world can be. The numbness I’ve felt all day gives way to hope. In a world as wonderful as this, hate can’t possibly succeed. Sure it may rear its ugly head, but we have the power to combat that. As an individual we get to choose between right and wrong. We have the choice to see injustices and correct them in our everyday life.
As a wise woman said, “We are stronger together.”
Together we can get through the disappointment; we can comfort our neighbors in fear.
Most importantly we can stand up for what’s right, realizing the sun will come up and with it a beautiful day in which love must triumph.
