Politics can be very unappealing to many, myself included. The idea of stuffy, power-hungry politicians fighting about controversial topics in a room full of press, most likely stating what they “believe” in to make a particular party happy is not ideal. People say that a candidate lied, so, therefore, they are untrustworthy. But literally every single politician that has ever lived has stretched the truth more or less in order to gain votes and support. That's what stinks about politics. However, the idea of the demographic taking control with peaceful protests and taking a stand for what they believe in is a good pro of politics. Without the people, we are back in the 1790’s in which citizens had very little power towards their own lives and let the rich government officials control everything.
As you have probably guessed, this article is pertaining to the election results that occurred Wednesday, Nov 9 of last week. The people of America spoke, and the new President of the United States is Donald Trump. Honestly, I wasn’t surprised that most people went with the default choice (the male candidate) but it was a little odd how well-known people in the music, television and press industries ripped on Trump, made fun of his ridiculous claims but in the end he was the one who came out on top. It seemed that Hillary Clinton had the position right in her hands, and yet at around 1 am on Wednesday CNN posted an article stating that Hillary could win only by the slimmest of margins, and the 63.4 million people who voted for her were silenced.
Obviously, the next day at school or work all people could talk or think about was the election. Minorities who felt targeted were scared, people got into heated arguments, experts were scratching their heads. Virtually Clinton should have won, because she did win the popular vote, but got around 40 less electoral college votes than Trump. The outcome reaction was the definition of a “Nation Divided” with the immediate protests both physically and through social media.
After talking about it for a good eight hours, I was over it. People were mad, and I get that. Although as someone from a general race, I can’t always see this election from someone who felt targeted by Trump does; minorities were called out during the campaign multiple times. Some students in my art class wouldn’t even stand up for the pledge. It’s good that people are taking a stand, and still protesting for what they wanted, but it isn’t the end of the world. I am empathetic towards those who are scared, and who feel that Donald Trump is not going to benefit them. However, it is a true fact that many things Trump said would happen is unlikely (i.e building a wall, destroying Isis ). There are at least three senators who don’t even support Trump. Even if the other representatives do, that doesn’t mean that they will agree with everything he proposes. If a law that is extremely controversial is passed, it could not go into effect (depending on the circumstance) for a few years.
During the campaign, hardcore Hillary advocates and others who simply liked Clinton a little more over Trump kept claiming that some of his proposals were absolutely insane, unlikely and against what America stands for. Nothing has changed. The claims that he made that were ridiculous are still ridiculous, and no one is going to change their mind just because he is now president. However, if his tax plans he made go through they will be able to benefit every class. He wants to cut down tax rates to 33 percent (at least for top rate U.S. citizens), and I don't think anyone can argue that it is a bad thing.
Neither of the candidates were perfect. Not releasing tax returns, questionable emails, both had some sketchy behind the scenes factors to their campaigns. It was one of the most divided elections since the early days of the U.S. government, but in the end the more obvious and safer choice was overlooked.
It may seem like the end of the world, but if you really think about it, Trump doesn't have as much power as you may think. Plus, even if he does end up with half as much power we can always impeach him, just sign one of the many petitions trending on Twitter and we are good to go.
