Obviously, I'm going to write something about this election.
I don't understand a whole lot about politics. I do more so now because of researching during this election and because of the great educator known as Leslie Knope.
But I have spent the last four years learning about culture and people... and the last 20ish years living as a human.
I am saddened that we have reached this point.
Saddened that we nominated these two people to make choices for our nation. Saddened that we have been so divided and hateful towards each other. Saddened that potentially votes were wasted on a dead gorilla, as if this is really a joke.
What I do know, is that people will show you their true colors.
That those who want to change the way life is for the marginalized will do it regardless of the leader of the county.
That those who shout words of hate will do hateful acts regardless of the leader of the county.
There are people who are now afraid to live in this country. Legitimately afraid that their parents will be forced to leave. Afraid to wear a head covering that is part of their religion because of possible backlash.
It may prove in the next four years that they have nothing to fear. But that doesn't matter. It doesn't matter that I am not afraid for my own well being.
I did not vote for Trump. I don't understand how people did. But I am proud of people voting. I am proud that people stood by their convictions and thought that they were voting for what was best for the country, even if I disagree with them.
What matters now is what we do, what I do.
It matters that I work hard at my job and work hard to get another one. It matters that I save and spend responsibly (even though I currently suck at it). It matters that I make smart investments and donations. It matters that I learn and vote and volunteer about local issues. It matters that I still use my voice to stand against things that I don't believe in and let my legislators know. It matters that I show love and compassion to those who are afraid. It matters that my actions and my words speak louder than just my vote. It matters that I believe that those who are marginalized need to have a voice and that it is my responsibility to speak up for them.
Hey Christians, I don't care if you voted for Trump. I don't care if you voted for him because you believe that we needed to get career politicians out of Washington. I don't care if you voted for him because you believe that he will "Make America Great Again". I don't care if you voted for him because you couldn't stand to vote for Hillary Clinton or a third party candidate. I don't care if you voted for him because you believe that he is a great businessman. You know what I do care about?
I care that you see that his approach to sexual assault is wrong. I care that you see that his words have been horrendous. I care that you see he is disrespectful to people in all walks of life. I hope that you see that, act against it, and hold him accountable. His policies and stances are important but so is the way he treats others. Do not make excuses for his behavior.
Hey Donald Trump, Congratulations on winning. While I did not vote for you, I respect that you now hold the title of President of the United States of America. I ask one thing of you, prove us wrong. PROVE US WRONG. Tame your tongue, put policies in place that benefit more than one group of people, treat people with respect, humble yourself. YOU will NOT make America great again. That you cannot do on your own. Listen to the people, this is not about you.
Hey America, we are divided, there is no denying it. People are scared, heartbroken, enraged, happy, indifferent and so many other things. This is our reality, it's our job to live in it well. Don't you dare become stagnant and angry and bitter. If this is not the America you want, then you use your voice and your hands to make it better. This is not about political parties. This is about your neighbors. This is about whether you are going to do what's in their best interest. You need to show up. You need to advocate for others. You need to do so calmly and kindly. You need to be an ear, a helping hand, a voice. Your freedom isn't freedom unless it allows others to be free as well. Use your freedom well.
The next four years are going to be interesting. Be kind to your neighbor. Fight for those that are different than you. I beg of you to learn from these next years. And I beg of you, LOVE. This country is amazing, love it. Love that you get to be free and to exercise your freedom. But most of all, love your neighbor as yourself. Love those that are Muslim. Love those that are LGBTQ+. Love those that are women. Love those that are Mexican. Love those that are disabled. Love those that are seeking refuge. Love America, the melting pot of cultures and people. Love everyone. But especially love those that in recent months have been downtrodden.
America, you are great and you are free. Act like it. Show your true colors, bleed the red, white and blue.
