I’ve yet to ascertain what the future holds since the transition officially occurred on Friday, January 20, 2017. We have a massive parallel between the outgoing president, Barack Obama, compared to the incoming president, Donald Trump; of this, I’ve written of at length. The inaugural address by President Donald J. Trump lasted for approximately twenty minutes. In it, he covered topics ranging from America first, after politicians, education, veteran affairs, border protection and went after every currently living president in some manners. It was the most divisive inauguration speech I’ve ever heard (I’ve watched them for the last three elections and some older ones online). His speech came across, at times, isolationist and nationalist to the core. In a globalizing world: it’s off-putting.

While it is no secret that I disagree with almost everything President Trump has spoken of, actions speak louder than words, sometimes (some words that are said are just as detrimental). Regardless of the shortcomings I have with him and his vitriolic language, I do have a few messages to bring about. The first is to the people who claim that President Donald J. Trump is not their president (#NotMyPresident), I’m sorry to break the news to you that…yes…he is your president if you’re a citizen of the United States of America. You may not enjoy that fact, you might not want to accept that as a fact, but just because you didn’t vote for him doesn’t mean he’s not your president. Despite my eternal dislike of the Electoral College, the rules were known before the election and here we are.

I'd like to note though, I support, wholeheartedly, the protests going on as long as they remain peaceful. I'm sure that these protests can be conducive if they stay peaceful; though I've seen signs of violence in some protests. It's probably known by this point that I support any protests as long as it remains peaceful (sure, I do like protests I personally agree with more too, but I'm human). I do, 100% support the women's marches because women deserve equal rights in every respect to men.

But where are we? We’re in between a rock and a hard place, where the voices of younger people, such as myself, don’t have as much pulling power as we want just yet. A point in United States history where there is a lot of divide between the people; where the majority didn’t vote for Donald J. Trump, but due to the indirect democracy of America, he won. The Democratic Party should be in shambles after their defeat to someone who many didn’t like, but they remain in denial of why they lost. Pointing fingers at whomever they can. The next four years will be a struggle for many. If you dislike Trump’s politics, urge your congressmen and congresswomen to vote against the bills you dislike and don’t want enacted. In droves, this can work.

Next, to the Republicans demanding bi-partisanship and that the Democrats stop employing “stalling tactics”, even as a non-Democrat I have to say: you cannot speak on that without being hypocrites. Your House while Obama was president literally did the same thing, often not showing up for work or blocking anything he proposed because it was him. Do I agree with former-President Obama on everything? No. However, to whine about the lack of bipartisanship is laughable. Some of President Donald J. Trump’s senior leadership selections are awful. From Betsy DeVos, the most unqualified selection for Secretary of Education, to former Texas Govenor Rick Perry, the selection of the Department of Energy (DoE); whom in his run for president in 2012, forgot the name of the department he wanted to cut, citing people didn’t have a need for it. The cabinet was attempting to do their job, to do cordial hearings and ask questions that matter for the position to see the qualifications are met; you’d think business men and women would understand the want to know the qualifications are met for the next leaders.

My issue has become that both parties are so thoroughly divided that they don’t act and work together to come to resolves. They bicker like children, argue at each other and refuse to work for the majority of the people. It’s not just Democrats. It’s not just Republicans. It’s both major parties. The moment they set aside some issues, they can actually start functioning like a democratic government again. It’s in my belief that had a Republican put forward the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that the Republicans would’ve loved it and the Democrats would’ve hated it. Faction politics will damage America far more than President Trump might.

Yes, I’m worried. I’m terrified to think of what certain policies will do to women, Muslims, Mexicans, LGBTQ, etc. No, I’m not too worried about myself in this case. I am praying and hoping for compassion from my fellow Americans.

Finally, here’s where I stand on what I think of all of this: there are so many amazing people from all walks of life, from both major parties and some from the smaller party’s (personally, I’m registered independent). Although it’ll occur, I urge people to not fight much (preferably at all) on the politics; civil discussion is encouraged. Granted, there are some…not-so-amazing people from both major parties, and the smaller parties, as well. Live of peace and love.