We Cannot Carry On As Usual
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

We Cannot Carry On As Usual

Nothing about this election was normal.

12
We Cannot Carry On As Usual
Pexels

We actually did it. America actually did it. We actually put a businessman with no law, political, or military experience into office. Regardless of how you feel about Donald Trump, we can all agree on one thing--this isn't normal. Sure, we've had entrepreneurs run for office before, but they've never made it this far. Politicians have been accused of being racist and sexist before, but we've managed to weed out the worst offenders. We've had scandals in presidential elections before, but there have never been this many. Trump said he could shoot someone and not lose votes, and he was probably right. His popularity is astonishing. Trump's unwavering legion of followers show cult-like behaviors.

This isn't normal, and we should not carry on as if nothing happened.

When Trump takes office, "politics as usual" will not resume. His election is an anomaly, and America may not be prepared. Women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community have responded with fear, sadness, and anger. If a moderate Republican were elected, people might be upset, but January would come and politics would continue as usual. For the first time in modern American history, a candidate's policies cause many people to genuinely fear for their lives. Disputes over this election goes beyond "differences in opinion". We have a president endorsed by the KKK. This is not a normal election year. Donald Trump has defied expectations and showed us that it is possible for someone with no political experience to hold the most powerful office in the country. Trump has beat the odds again and again. If he's as successful during his presidency as he was on the campaign trail, America could face a huge shake-up. He may not make a good President, but he could be a powerful one. His potential is undeniable.

Don't let Trump's term(s) in office become "politics as usual". Nothing about this election is normal. We must respond by continuing to be abnormal. We need political activism after November 8th. We need just as many people campaigning for senators in 2018 as there were people campaigning for presidential candidates in the 2016 primaries. We need to retain that record number of young people who are engaged in politics. We need protests, solidarity, and constant activism. We need to do everything in our power to keep Trump's power in check. We need to meet the abnormal with the abnormal. We need "annoying" people going door-to-door, making phone calls, and campaigning for local governments. We need letters to the editor and letters to Congress members. We need to unite to stand up for our country, and show the world that we are always Stronger Together.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

62123
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

40606
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

961363
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

207859
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments