Election Op-Ed
I usually don’t write opinion pieces (or articles in general), but I figured what happened on November 8th was worth a few minutes of my time. As a disclaimer, these opinions are my own and I am a Democrat who voted for Clinton.
So, what happened last Tuesday night on November 8th was unexpected. Almost impossible even. No one thought that a campaign, started as somewhat of a joke, and built upon such controversy and rhetoric would lead to Trump winning the presidency. A demagogue whose entire campaign was based off of fear, intimidation, and a strong sense of nativism has become the most powerful man in the free world.
This election was decided by the silent majority: the uneducated, white male who’s had enough of Washington. I, like many others, cannot understand how anyone would choose that man, especially over probably the most well qualified politician to ever run for president. Yes, they both have flaws, but how can one argue that Trump is a better choice for this country? I understand the general discontentment surrounding Washington, but Trump is not the answer. In such a tense moment in history, where international peace seems to be threatened, how can we trust such an unpredictable and hotheaded man to lead the most powerful country in the world?
Even domestically, Americans are upset with manufacturing jobs moving overseas and immigrants “stealing their jobs.” Yes, jobs are moving overseas, and yes illegal immigrants are working farm jobs, but how is Trump going to bring back jobs like he promises? Times are changing, and so is the employment landscape in America. We live in a capitalist society; if someone else can do something cheaper, then why pay for more? It’s the reason why we can have $2.00/lb strawberries and cheap, but reliable cars.
Donald Trump has shown no solutions, and yet so many Americans cast their vote for him due to their hate for Clinton. What has happened is frightening and is a warning that our democracy has failed us. Demagogues win elections and unite the angry; demagogues undermine the heart of democracy.
All this being said, at this stage we have no choice but to live with our actions. With a Republican controlled Senate, House, Supreme Court, AND President, the future looks bleak for liberals. What will happen to the 11 million illegal immigrants, or the 20 million on Obamacare; both of which Trump has vowed to rid the country of. What will happen to innocent Muslims and people of color once Trump takes office? The thought is frightening as the future is inevitable. All the gains in civil rights made in the last decade? Who knows what will happen.
As a country, we must accept what happens and remember that we live in the greatest country on earth. It is not “Make America Great Again,” but rather make America better than ever. Yes, you can protest, but no, that won’t change anything. He will still be president for four years. Instead, we must strive to be better - a country is only as good as its citizens.
In such a time filled with hate, now is an opportunity to change American society for the better. We must acknowledge our own privilege, but remember what others unlike ourselves go through. There will be ups, and a lot of downs, but the sun will always rise, and more likely than not, the government will continue to serve the will of the people. But the question is, what will the common goal be? What will we strive for?
Have your own opinion you want to share about the election? Write your own article and send it to us at thenhsnavigator@gmail.com!
