Then, I voted for Hillary Clinton during the election in November.
And had I voted again, I would not change my decision (please, hang in with me until the end, here).
Nonetheless, Republican nominee Donald Trump won the United States presidency last night. And we need to talk about that, because since his victory, there have been articles of doomsday, withdrawal from American ideals, and the always-present "I'm moving to Canada" people (The proper response to this is to roll your eyes).
This election was not the garden variety election by any standard. It was fueled by controversy, anger, and frustration. However, the defeatist viewpoint that the populous has taken in regard to it is not only the wrong way to handle such a thing, but is border lining un-Democratic.
Let's remember, this is not the first controversial election within viewable history. In 2000, Bush v. Gore was a landmark case of heated rivalry and questionable outcomes. Banners of corruption, and rigging, and vile accusations spewed from the mouths of people on both sides of the election. But when all was said and done, what did Gore say to Bush? "Partisan feeling must yield to patriotism. I'm with you, Mr. President, and God bless you."
God bless you.
That was not an easy loss for Gore, who won the popular vote, mind you. The reason he conceded though is something which this election, this population, needs a desperate reminder of. We are not a nation of Democrats and Republicans. We are not divided, and separated, cowering in fear from the future. We are one nation, and one body. The election is over, and anger won't drive that market any further. The way the American life survives is by looking to the future with optimism, not to the past with bitter nihilism.
This sounds like romantic rhetoric, "feel-good-ism" writing. But it's not.
Let me remind you that the American dream was in peril following 9/11, and the American people rallied around Bush. The end results were, arguably, disastrous, but we proved that coming together as one people made momentum a reality. The same ambitious machine which sent us hurling into horrendous war could be used to make great progress, so long as we let it.
However, accepting acidic divide among the American population over partisanship is what gives progress time to move backwards, a freight train in full reverse.
To all Democrats angry about the election, I understand. I do. But remember that anger doesn't solve problems, hatred doesn't fuel progress, and stubbornness is the path of the wicked.
So what am I calling for?
Lay down your arms.
Obviously, a militia to take down Trump tower has not beed assembled (at time of publication). However, in small ways, my fellow citizens are making great mistakes in slinging hate speech, and laughing at their rivals, or staring back in loathing.
This country has been through many generations of bad leaders (not to say, explicitly, Donald Trump will be, so no angry comment typing yet). We have! Lyndon B. Johnson use to pull his Johnson out to answer the question "Why are we in Vietnam?" Ever so eloquently adding, "This is why." Andrew Jackson slaughtered Native Americans, was personally responsible for the Trail of Tears, and when elected, threw a frat party on the White House lawn. We've had slaveholders, racists, sexists, bigots, imperialists, just about anything you could name, sitting in the big chair on Capitol Hill. There is a reason they have never been the engravings of America's tombstone. There's a reason Bill Pullman can stand on the back of a truck with a megaphone and scream, "We will not go quietly into the night." (What's more American that Independence Day?)
We are the voice of the American reputation. Our actions, our protests, our post-election blog ramblings, these are the things that make the American voice.
If you have problems with Trump's policies as they're attempted to be enacted, you have a voice. You can work toward fixing those policies, and the American culture will congratulate you for expressing your democratic voice. You are not alone in that fight.
But Donald Trump will be president of the United States, no matter how angry you are. It is time to stop being angry, and start being productive. Accept the outcome, and make the best of the situation, as an American citizen, The only thing that trumps the American spirit is the human mind. And we have an ever-existent opportunity to put that tool to use in our government, to make good, righteous changes as necessary, to speak to the world what we have to say, and listen as it speaks back. However first, we must move on from Election Day.
I voted for Bernie.
I voted for Hillary.
Donald Trump will be my president.
And to him I say, I'm with you Mr. President. God bless you.
