Wouldn't life be simpler if there was a pause button? Sometimes I sit back and wish such button actually existed. This month has been filled with so many events and chaos, it's been hard trying to keep up. This is where the pause button could really come in handy. So, shall we review these past two weeks of Trump's Presidency?
On January 20th, 2017, Donald J. Trump became the 45th President of the United States of America. Shortly thereafter, he signed a few Executive Orders. The first order that will impact the majority of Americans is the repeal of the Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare. When Obamacare was first presented and passed many were against it but ultimately those same people ended up being covered by it. Doctors across the country have repeatedly stated that many Americans will die without Obamacare. From experience I can tell you how vital Obamacare is. My mothers medications, treatment, and surgeries would've been difficult to pay for out of pocket with no coverage. I'm forever thankful that Obamacare exists. I'll continue paying taxes just to ensure everyone has access to healthcare.
Second, Trump has reinstated the 'Mexico City Policy' also known as the 'Global Gag Rule'. This policy requires all U.S. Aided organizations across the globe to not have anything to do with abortions. It's not surprising that it has passed through the House, which is low blow to women everywhere. This policy also affects Planned Parenthood, which these politicians are planning to defund. It is understandable that many people are misinformed about Planned Parenthood. All they seem to see is that Planned Parenthood provides abortions. However, not only do they do provide abortions, but they also provide breasts exams, pap smears (to check for cervical cancer), information about sexual education, prenatal care, screenings, and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases. Birth control is also included in the defunding process. And it gets worse: they want to criminalize women who do get abortions.
State Representative Tony Tinderholt from Arlington, Texas is behind a controversial bill which takes away a women's right to privacy. He believes that removing the procedure will "force women to be more responsible" when having sex. As a woman myself it is upsetting to witness my rights and my sister's rights being tossed around as if it were some sort of game.
To criminalize us is extremely disturbing. What about cases of rape or incest? Are you really going to tell me that it's their fault for not being responsible? No one should be forced to have a child, whether they practice safe sex or not. We are not breeders. It is dehumanizing to think that we are.
On January 21st, 2017, the Women's March took place in Washington D.C. as well as in several other cities around America. In all my years of life I have never witnessed something of such historical importance. So many people came out to not only show their support but to march for what matters and what is being destroyed by our Government. We showed strength in numbers, not only in our country, but across other countries as well: the Netherlands announced that they are setting up their own funding for everyone against the Global Gag Rule. The Women's March was filled with hope and love. Standing side by side with people who have felt discrimination because of the color of their skin, sexual orientation and preferences, religion, disability, social class, or gender.
Lastly, Trump has signed a ban against high risk Muslim countries and their refugees. This also includes anyone who holds a green card or visas from those countries. I understand that we need to keep Americans safe but we can't stop being human either. To ban people based on their religion goes against everything we stand for. We are more than this. We are the land of the free and is what compassion drives us, but Trump is portraying us as heartless Americans.
People are so concerned with saving unborn children because "every life is precious," but when they have the opportunity to save thousands of lives they turn their back on these desperate people. You all can try to turn a blind eye but you can't unsee those pictures and videos of families losing loved ones or children being dug up from collapsed buildings due to an air strike or a bomb. You can't tell me you don't have any compassion for them.
Our President should be a person who represents all of us. Someone spewing hate, dividing us, and threatening our life on this earth isn't the representation of us that we need. He's not my President. There's no such thing as freedom if our rights as human beings are being oppressed. Say what you will, but we will continue to fight and stand united while Trump, his administration, and their supporters continue to try and divide us.
