Tuesday night I went to bed in complete shock. I couldn't believe that our President elect was someone I didn't trust with my country. Now, it's not because I voted for the opposite candidate, because it's no longer about parties; it's about people's lives. This was much more than about Republicans and Democrats--this was about human beings that are American citizens frightened for their lives and rights. This is why I will not remain silent for the next four years. I will stand for what is right.

"What is right" is different for everyone. People of any race, gender, or religion should be welcomed to express their constitutional rights. Some Americans were ignorant nonetheless in this election. Some are lashing out towards minorities and telling them they no longer matter to this country. This is why I will not stay quiet.

The President elect is not okay with me and that's okay. And it's okay if we are hurt. Never let anyone tell you that you are whining. People are scared for their lives here. A woman's hijab got yanked off her head from hatred and scared filled people in a Walmart. This woman is made to feel like it's her fault, that her God will not forgive her--but he will. How would it feel if someone ripped the cross necklace from your neck? That is not okay in America. We have the First Amendment in this country for a reason and our President elect should address it.

But will he? Will he address the hate crimes and the terror in our hearts? Probably not. But maybe he'll change our minds, or maybe he'll prove us wrong. What can we hope for when all we have heard and seen for 18 months is him mocking a handicapped person and calling our fellow Americans rapists and drug dealers because of the color of their skin? This past summer we had a white male college student get out of jail after 3 months for raping a woman. What is this America? This is what he has created for us.

Sure, I hope he proves us wrong and gives those that voted for him exactly what they wanted. But that is not the America I want to live in. I want the America I live in to progress forward. I want us to love one another despite our differences. But due to the racist and sexist things this man has said, it put us back in time.

I will not sit back and let these people hurt my family and friends. I will not sit and be quiet because he is our President. He is not my President. A President, without bringing parties into it, is a respectable person. It is not someone we should fear, but I, too, feel that fear--and I can't imagine how those more affected than me feel.

And for those of you who will argue with me, that's fine. You're entitled to your opinion just as I am. Many people for years said "Obama this, and Obama that." They had absolutely no respect for a man who treated those around him with the most respect anyone could ask for. So I will not stay quiet and call the elect my President, just like you didn't for eight years.

I will not stop. I will push forward, pulling everyone else that is with me, right along. Do NOT change who you are for our President elect, or those that support him. Push through. Do NOT stay quiet.