"Trump is going to win." We were having a technology free dinner with family when Erik returned from the kitchen and delivered this news. Probably the most chilling words someone has ever spoken to me that immediately inflicted a stabbing pain to my body from head to toe. A wave of nausea followed by stinging tears. I will never forget that moment. The subsequent days, however, are a blur of depression and anger. More depression to start, anger to follow. I was very grateful to have my first trail race the weekend after the election that kept me mostly off the grid and disconnected from technology. Running through the woods was also great therapy.
But, in all honesty, almost 8 weeks post-election, I am still depressed and angry - and more confused than ever. Yes yes, this "silent majority" certainly had "a lot to say" and "spoke up" during this election. But really though... what the hell did they say? Because, in my opinion, this election was not about traditional politics and policies. It was about being a good human and protecting fundamental human rights. And the choices we had during this election represented what side of those rights you supported. So if this "silent majority" was really so unhappy and needed to vote for "big change" - how is casting a vote to take away rights for humans going to fix anything? (I mean, let alone the fact that the policies they voted for are also crap.) I'm not going to pretend that I understand the ins and outs of politics. I didn't go to school for political science. I don't have a law degree. I have a career that doesn't focus on making a decision that impacts whether or not millions of people get healthcare. Or if a stimulus package is going to help the country. Or how to negotiate international peace treaties. No, knowing the details on how to manage that work from start to finish was not the path I chose - but I expect that someone in a role to have that impact better be damn good at it. And because of living in a democracy, I understand my role in politics is to cast my vote - based on the real information that's available - for the best person to fill these roles of influence and power. That is what every American's responsibilty is as a citizen of this country. You don't have to have a background in politics, but you are asked to use good judgement when you enter that voting booth. To do your research. To weed through the unfortunate pile of bullshit for the truth and then vote for the best candidate. And this is where I now understand the huge problem with this election and the devestating result to stem from: people were voting on what they thought was best for themselves based on lies. Now there is nothing wrong with voting in a way you think will create the best future for yourself. But when that vote is based on lies and policies that actually won't be the best for you... well... that is where we have a huge problem with the process. More to the point, I find it hard to stomach the fact that some people voted for what they thought would be better for them but didn't seem to consider how it could hurt others. It's not the way I vote - at all. It's not the way I live my life. Bottom line: there are peope that do not have the privileges I have had in my life and I feel that it is my responsiblity to keep that in mind when I cast my vote. Now that ludicrous immigration policies, a woman's rights over her own body, LGBTQ equalities, race and religion have become core issues in a campaign - the fact that some people heard what side of the issues candidates were on and still voted for a person and party that threatens to hurt so many people is something I cannot support or forgive. Finally and, possibly most importantly in this particular election, the character of the person in the office of POTUS - and those that she/he will surround her/himself with - is, in my opinion, a crucial consideration. So I will forever be confused how anyone could vote for a man who lies, cheats and steals. A man who brags about assulting women. And speaks down to women, minorities and immigrants. Who ran on a campaign of hate and fear. A man who cares more about winning for his own gain and ego than about filling the role of President of the United States of America to actually make a positive difference. It's embarssing. It's shameful. It's dangerous. Please don't come at me with "yeah, but..." arguments. There is nothing to be said that will make this better. And trying to explain your reasoning for voting for him without also acknowledging that your vote hurt people in the process is something I don't need to hear. If you did this - voted for him - you need to take responsiblity for it. Speak up about the discrimination, impending loss of rights and mysogyny that will be the basis for this presidency. Please don't be dim. Open your eyes, stand up, and help those of us that voted for equality and progress stop the awful tide you helped start. Help love trump hate. Years from now, when I'm asked: "where were you when you found out Trump was going to be President?", I will still have a brief moment of remembering the pain and fear I felt that night. But I will also remember I was surrounded by family. Enjoying the company of people that I love - sitting next to my amazing husband. And I will be able to talk about the weeks that followed. And be proud that I spoke out - just like I will continue to in the years to come - and stand up for people that need it. This was not a normal election and America made a mistake. I will not be quiet about it.
1 Comment
Gayla
12/31/2016 05:11:08 am
I agree with your assessment, totally. You hit the nail on the head. And, though, I know family elsewhere did vote for him, I tried to enlighten them...it is still too painful to ask them why...they hated her and she did nothing to change that. She got such a bum rap. I did not want her to run. Because in that climate she would get hammered....and she did. It hurts too much to think about the Bern, too....because he was not strategic, but real.....thanks for having the 'umph' to write....it is how I feel, too
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AuthorA Midwest girl gone global. I choose happiness everyday: I run, eat well, travel, and love completely. Archives
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