To say this was a traumatic, eventful, momentous, historical and staggering week for America would be an incredible understatement. I thought I would share my thoughts on this election, and more importantly, its outcome. Donald Trump is the next President of the United States and it's time to accept this, whether we like it or not.
I will admit that I was one of the many millennials fervently rooting for Hillary during the entire election season. Although I don't categorically associate myself with either party, and I realize Hillary is still a highly flawed candidate, I found myself admiring her grace and poise throughout the entire campaign season. I will admit I wasn't a huge fan of her prior to this election--I was raised by a family of conservative Republicans, and therefore I was constantly surrounded by conservative-based values my entire life. Nevertheless, she still somehow won me over. She didn't succumb to all of the arrogant jargon or sexist barriers that were constantly thrown her way, she used them to target her core policies and promote a vision of a more progressive America--an America that was more kind and inclusive then ever before. Now that was something I could stand behind.
Despite a lot of votes and a lot of voices, Hillary lost--plain and simple. Now what? It's clear that a good majority of America is slightly outraged and at a lose for words. A very controversial man is President, and our future is largely in his hands. There are many who are reacting with hateful outcry, violent protests and an intense refusal to acknowledge him as our President. Unfortunately, these methods won't actually solve any issues regarding the Presidency. In fact, there isn't any issue to solve. Our democracy acted and abided by every pre-existing rule that's been in place for centuries. Two candidates ran, America voted, and through our electoral college voting structure, Donald Trump took the title. It's that simple.
To fellow Hillary supporters: Although it is in our every right to exercise our thoughts and opinions on such an important decision that changes our country's entire direction, we shouldn't forget exactly what her campaign was built on. We are always Stronger Together. It frustrates me when so many Hillary supporters attack Trump supporters, because it goes against every value her campaign was built on--inclusion despite any beliefs you may hold, and cooperation despite the forces that divide us. Whether you were ever for or against Donald Trump, to wish for him to fail is like wishing for a pilot to have a heart attack while trying to land a plane we're all passengers on--pointless and ineffective. No matter who our President is, if they succeed, we all do. I was never a fan of Mr. Trump's, but I'm an American and I want more then ever for him to prove me wrong--prove everyone who has ever doubted his intentions wrong. For the sake of all of us, and our country.
