It’s been about eight hours since Donald Trump was declared the president-elect of the United States. He was not my choice but he will be my president. As with any other event in my life, I choose how to respond to this news.
I’d like to urge all of us to consider how we are reacting to the election outcome and what that says about who we are as human beings.
Who are we, really?
Since midnight, I have seen tweets and posts that were just as hurtful as anything Trump said during the campaign. Some of my Trump supporting friends continue to post divisive memes rather than looking forward in unity and inclusion. And, many people who were supporting Hillary have now opted to go low instead of staying on the high road. When we use the same tactics we so vehemently protested, we need to pause and take a good long look at ourselves.
Who are we, really?
Donald Trump – or anyone else – will not change who I am in my heart. He will not crush my spirit. He will not dampen the positive attitude I choose to live with. He will not change who I love, how I treat people, or what I do day in and day out. He will not stymie my personal integrity. I imagine that most of us can say the same.
Who are we, really?
Looking through the national lens, we elected representatives who are accountable to us. Donald Trump is president, not dictator. This is the United States of America. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights are still the foundation of our country. Will important laws and rights be repealed or changed? Perhaps. But we need to continue the fight, within our new reality, for what is important to us. We cannot freeze in anticipation of what might happen. We need to be fully present today to impact what might happen tomorrow.
Who are we, really?
And, for all of us who are simply shocked at the outcome, there is a clear message from a significant segment of the electorate that was missed along the way. I challenge all of us to stop shaking our heads and try to understand. Who feels left out of the process and why? Who feels underserved and why? Who feels devalued and why? And, what can we do to change that?
Who are we, really?
Lastly, when we declared #ImWithHer, that also meant that we stood for the ideals Hillary promoted. The fact that she will not be president does not mean that we can’t continue to work for these things: Equal rights. National security. Equal pay for equal work. Our right to make our own healthcare decisions. Welcoming the tired and weary from faraway lands. Access to education. Removing the stigma from mental healthcare. Gun violence prevention. Paid family leave. Veterans support. That love trumps hate.
Who are we, really?
We are citizens of the United States of America and we really are stronger together.
