On Tuesday Nov. 8th, the whole of America was watching the results come in of all the votes and electoral college points for each state were being counted. By the way, what even is the electoral college and why is it so important? Any way, this election year seemed to be one of the most contentious, craziest elections in America's history. Regardless of who won--either Trump or Clinton--and Trump ended up winning, it will change the course of how America wants to move forward.
So the latter won, and by latter I mean Trump, and he will become the 45th president of the United States. His portrait will probably be in all government and public service buildings as presidents are usually displayed. He will have his own portrait in the White House alongside past presidents. His family will live in the White House with him and so will the family of his Vice-Presidential running mate Mike Pence.This is what we allowed to happen.
I am not going to sugarcoat my true opinions and will tell you that I do not like Trump. I believe he became a mouthpiece for hate speech, bigotry, racism and outlandish behavior through a wide range of his supporters. He used fearful and hateful rhetoric to win the presidency. This was a guy who claimed the presidential election was rigged the whole time and would not be cordial if he were not to win. There are many other things I could argue about him, his supporters, the Republicans who endorsed him and how his rhetoric has affected lives of marginalized groups in America. But I won't.
The message I have for Trump is that against all odds you did win and you're going to actually have to be President. The President of the United States is not some hobby that you can just half-ass and leave all the work to your cabinet. You will be seen as a figure-head of America in the eyes of American citizens and the world. You will have to deal with leaders from other countries and work to make negotiations with them. Your life will barely be private, but you're probably used to that as a public figure, because the media will scrutinize your every move. You will have to make difficult decisions that regard war, healthcare, public and private policy, education and many other factors. What I'm saying President-elect Trump is that you have a major responsibility now and that all the foolery you did in the election will not work in the presidency. It's serious, every decision you make will have some effect on people's lives.
For those that are worried about what there lives will look like under this new Trump administration--I send my comfort to you all. We will get through this unclear turmoil that will change American politics and the people. From the local level we should instead come together and not fight among one another. We should use this time to expand the dialogue of race, class, gender, sexuality, and other factors that make us, us. We must not let hate win.
