The results of the 2016 election were felt by countless individuals, not only from America, but worldwide. As Donald Trump was announced as the president-elect, and ultimately the next president of the United States of America, loud cheers from Trump supporters were met with cries from Clinton supporters at an equal volume. With the Senate, House of Representatives, and president all having Republican majority and control, an event which hasn't occurred in our nation since 1928, many democrats are feeling a sense of helplessness and defeat. Despite this, Hillary Clinton taught Americans a lesson that we must hold on to, especially with the unpredictable, upcoming presidency: we are stronger together.
As an American, I'm thankful for the right to vote. As a democrat, I'm devastated by the results. I'm devastated and angered that a man with no political or military experience was able to beat a woman with 30 years of political experience. I'm angered that Donald Trump was able to build a campaign on the back of Hate and Fear, and convince so many Americans to follow him by implanting fear in their minds and hate in their heart. I'm angered, but more importantly, I'm worried. This fear mongering was enough to drive many new voters to the polls. As an American, I couldn't be happier that more people are making their voice heard. As a human, I'm saddened that it took this extremity to make that change happen.
Despite these feelings, despite this result, our country is clearly at a great divide between Clinton supporters and Trump supporters. Clinton beat Trump in the popular vote by only 200,000 votes, giving her 48% and him 47%. The popular vote hasn't been anywhere near that close since 2000, with the race between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Many voters feel so strongly about their beliefs, they're willing to cut out and cut down any supporters of their candidates opponent; I myself have succumbed to the anger and frustration and lashed out before. With feelings starting to cool down, I'm able to look at this in another light, and, as a nation, we MUST follow what Clinton told us, and become stronger together.
We've taken up our civil duty and voted, but now we must uphold our civil responsibly of allowing for a peaceful transition of power. At the end of the day, labeling each other as "Trump Supporter" or "Hillary Supporter" will only breed more hate and anger. We must unify and understand that the change starts with us. We have a government of the people, by the people, for the people, and it's up to us to protect that. By unifying, not dividing; by choosing to love, not to hate; by moving forward, not looking back; by celebrating diversity and pushing through adversity, may we make America great again and become truly stronger together.
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