Those who stand for nothing fall for anything. - Anonymous
The inauguration of President Donald J. Trump has come and gone, and the actuality of his presidency is finally setting in across the nation. I have seen posts on Facebook and Twitter calling it the worst day in American history, and just as many saying it is one of the best. (Maybe that's what Dickens meant in A Tale of Two Cities.) All joking aside, today was no laughing matter for members of either party. Many democrats fear for the worst, yet many republicans are anticipating the best.
There is no doubt that Trump's choices for his cabinet are worrisome, to say the least. For me, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos immediately comes to mind. These choices, his post election day actions (removing any traces of deporting Muslims from his website), and his post-inauguration day actions (removing any traces of the LGBT+/civil rights movement from the White House's website) have left many people who voted against Donald in fear, and many people who voted for him dealing with buyer's remorse. However, this day doesn't put an end to our abilities to move towards a nation that each of us dream of inhabiting.
This past election has brought out the worst in people of both parties, with many people who claim to be liberal activists rioting in D.C. to protest the inauguration. These people are extremists who wear a name badge saying "activist" on it and bring activists and liberals a bad name while doing so. To those against the riots: I agree they are unnecessary and will produce no positive results, but I must argue against your statements that bring all liberals and/or democrats to their level of behavior. To categorize all left-wing minded people the same as the rioters is the equivalent to saying all Christians are members of the KKK, all Muslims are terrorists, and all of those who voted for Trump are racist and hateful. These statements are simply not true, in the same way accusations of all liberals being "crybabies" is untrue.
I would be lying if I said the idea of four years of the Trump Administration didn't scare me. I would also be lying if I said I wasn't going to speak out against that which I disagree with. The above quote, often credited to Alexander Hamilton, has been resonating with me for these past few days. Thinking about this blog, which I've decided only to use when something that holds great value to my heart occurs, I realized this was my way to make my stand, make my voice heard, and make a difference. With that in mind, I encourage all of you to speak out and stand up. Write to your congressmen, start a blog, share your opinions, and make your voice heard.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Friday, November 11, 2016
11/11/16 - Veteran's Day
On days like today, we're called upon to remember those who have risked and sacrificed their life for our country. Celebrated on the anniversary of the end of World War 1, Veteran's Day, formerly known as Armistice Day until 1954, has been a symbol and a means of unity for the American people for 97 years, even though it has only been recognized as a legal holiday for 78. With the recent election, the uprisings, and harsh feelings brought about, it is vital that we hear these calls for unity we are reminded of each year on November 11th.
It's because of our veterans that America stands where it does today. Their sacrifices have allowed us to a uphold a system of democracy that we often take for granted. Their actions have allowed for our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
So, go. Be thankful, and show your thankfulness not only in your words, but in your actions. Embody the America you want to live in with how you present yourself. This is how we honor our veterans; this is how we work to make our country better.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
11/9/16 - Post-Election Day
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.
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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