I want to be remembered as the generation who demanded a true American democracy. I want to be remembered for unifying a broken nation. I want my children, and my children’s children, to read about us and say we moved humanity forward, we transformed the world.
Fossil Fuels
Trump made a point multiple times throughout his campaign to not only deny climate change, but laugh at it. Trump has vowed to invest in coal and oil, and his VP Mike Pence believes climate change is a myth. Furthermore, of the 88 million dollars oil and gas industries spent on the 2016 election, 88 percent went to republicans in the 2016 election cycle.
Scientists are as conclusive on human activity causing climate change as they are on the theory of gravity, yet the massive disinformation campaign in the United States funded by fossil fuel special interests groups has effectively prevented any sort of meaningful action to be made against climate change. This disinformation campaign is a special feature of American culture, and considering the billions of dollars politicians, lobbyists, and corporations have invested in the industry, it should come as no surprise.
Climate change effects all of us equally because it effects our planet, yet the United States is contributing to the problem at a far greater rate than the rest of the world. This dynamic, one where our actions or in-actions so blatantly impacts our planet and everyone in it, puts Americans in an exigent position to act responsibly and meaningfully to address the issue.If there is any issue millennials can unify against regardless of perceived differences, its climate change. In the words of Leonardo DiCaprio, “you will either be louted by future generations, or vilified by them” (Leonardo DiCaprio, UN, 2016).
Corporate Influence in Washington
Whether Clinton or Trump won, corporate billionaires were not at all threatened by this Presidential election, which is a problem considering almost 80 percent of US voters believe special interests have way too much influence in Washington DC. Although Trump pushed the anti-establishment narrative throughout his campaign, he is already getting in bed with some of well-established lobbyists of Washington. New York Times article by Eric Lipton points out, “... in his transition to power, some of the most prominent voices will be those of advisers who come from the same industries for which they are being asked to help set the regulatory groundwork”. This should be cause for alarm if it is any indication of what a Trump Presidency will look like. Americans desperately need government to represent their interests, not the interests of a few wealthy political elites. If there is one thing this election told us, it is that the only true threat to big business is us.
Social Injustice
Trumps right wing populist movement was largely successful because of his loud, ‘say what I want’ attitude. His rhetoric ranges from calling black protesters in Baltimore thugs, Mexican immigrants rapists, referring to women as ‘pieces of a**’, and so on and so forth… Let it be known that Millennials do not share these values. Identifying someone as a second-class citizens because of their gender is morally wrong. Identifying someone as a second-class citizen because of their religion is morally wrong. Identifying someone as a second-class citizen because of the color of their skin is morally wrong- yet people voted in waves for Trump
This country has made strides in civil rights, women’s rights, and LBGT rights, to name some. We lead Europe in cutting down cigarette smoking and in the progressive legislation of marijuana. As Americas most diverse and progressive generation today, millennials are in a position to lead by example and reject any policies that would resurrect social injustices those before us fought so hard for. As a generation, we are presented with an opportunity to lead the nation by example, and reject the notions of hatred pursuant to Donald Trump’s political career thus far.
This only outlines briefly some of the issues that will be at the forefront of this nation’s path. Issues like gay rights, international trade, nuclear weapons, global economic inequality, and overall human rights of all people worldwide are issues that should also be at the forefront. While there is tremendous uncertainty as to what a Trump America is going to look like, I am certain that in the face of insurmountable obstacles, millennials will lead the path to overcome them. We as a generation have an opportunity to organize, to revolutionize America once more. After all, revolution is what we do best.
References
https://www..org/industries/totals.php?cycle=2016&ind=E01
