To Serge Kovaleski, the reporter with arthrogryposis, I am sorry. Neither you nor any other person with a disability, deserve to be belittled due to your impairment. (Evidence is here: http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/dona...)
To the people of Mexican descent that were referred to as rapists, the Latinos who were discredited because of their choice to represent their diverse cultural traditions and language, and the other Hispanic individuals who were blamed for committing the majority of violent crime in the USA, I am sorry. I think your traditions are wonderful. (Evidence is here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/9-outrageous-t...)
To Gonzalo Curiel, the judge whose authority was questioned and position disrespected due to his heritage, I am sorry. I can only hope of achieving such a prestigious position as you have in my future professional career. (Evidence is here: http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/06/politics/judge-gonza...)
To Ivanka Trump, Mr. Trump’s own daughter, whose body was objectified by her own father, I am sorry. I am thankful to have a father who not only respects me, but also requires others to do so. (Evidence is here: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-elections/donald-trump-ivanka-trump-piece-of-ass-howard-stern-audio-listen-a7352326.html)
To peaceful muslims, whose rights were violated when Mr. Trump insinuated that they were not fit to enter into the country because of the radicals of their religion, I am sorry. I hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive his cruel words. (Evidence is here: http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/07/politics/donald-trump-muslim-ban-immigration/)
To Senator John McCain, whose time honorably serving our country was hastily overlooked even though he was captured by an enemy, I am sorry. I appreciate your sacrifice and admire all that has come out of it. (Evidence is here: http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/hes-not-war-hero-donald-trump-mocks-john-mccains-service-n394391)
To all of the women, Rosie O’Donnell, Carly Fiorina, Cher, Angelina Jolie included, who have been degraded and demeaned by Mr. Trump’s retrograde beliefs and objectifying comments regarding physical appearance (some of which include: “young and beautiful piece of a*s,” “disgusting, both inside and out,” and “the face of a dog”) I am sorry. Women are so much more than their looks, and anyone who believes otherwise is buying into a fallacy. (Evidence is here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/politics/donald-trump-sexism-tracker-every-offensive-comment-in-one-place/)
To the ecology students, environmental science students, conservationists, and any other scientists studying, researching, and working to protect our planet against exploitation, preserve our Earth and its bountiful ecosystems for future generations, and fight environmental injustices...I’m sorry that your work was not taken seriously when global warming was insinuated to have been created by the Chinese and referred to as “a hoax,” “a money-making industry,” and flat-out “bullsh*t.” (Evidence is here: http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements...)
After Hillary Clinton’s consignment speech, a CNN reporter claimed that Mrs. Clinton apologized during her speech because “that’s just what women do.” I am here, as a woman, making a statement by doing the very same... but by no means am I apologizing because “that’s what women do.”
In fact, I’m apologizing because that’s what decent human beings with a moral compass and a strong system of ethics do, regardless of gender or social status. Apologizing and saying sorry is a sign of being willing to make a change. A sign of an attempt to fix something, to improve upon a process, or to start the process of cooperation. So, after November 8th’s election, I’m here to take a proactive step towards the future and wholeheartedly say sorry to each and every person that has been offended by Mr. Trump.
Donald Trump will likely become the next president of the most powerful nation on this planet, but that does not mean that common courtesy does not matter. That does not mean it is too late to have standards and to respect people. I know that Trump will never apologize for his wrongs because he does not see himself as wrong, so I am taking the first step: one which I hope will be followed by democrats, republicans, independents, and libertarians alike: working towards respect.
