Hi, I just want to thank everyone for being so brave in sharing your personal stories post-election all across social media. You all make me hopeful for what the future brings even as we start working through what feels like unchartered waters in American politics.
I want to take your cue and share a little bit about me: I am a Peruvian American, adopted as a newborn by a family that personifies the American Dream, a dream I worry so many of us and future generations will not be able to achieve especially in light of the recent elections... In my 26 years, I have never been afraid to walk the streets of the DMV area because of the color of my skin or my political creed, a privilege given my race, ethnicity and gender. And yet, Wednesday morning was the first time I feared opening my front door.
Naturally, I'm sad, disappointed and scared for what this election means for the next four years and beyond. Ever since Wednesday morning, I have heard friends confirm that I am not alone in my fear, and I have read stories about children and adults facing harassment and physical assault because of their vote, religion, ethnicity/race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socio-economic status, etc. These stories are so tough to read let alone digest.
The closest thing I have to a child is my goddaughter. She is the most innocent, sweet girl you could ever dream of. Her world is Sesame Street and Shopkins like I'm sure it is for many children her age. I think of her all the time and of what I would do if I were somehow her only guardian left in the world. I find comfort in the fact that I know my early vote last Saturday for Hillary was a contribution to her future, to our future. Years from now when I will have to explain this election to her, I will be able to hug her, look her directly in the eye and tell her I voted for the one person in this election who could have been her champion.
And I take great comfort in knowing that I was not alone in voting for Hillary. In fact, it looks like I was part of the majority on Tuesday. With so much post-election coverage on "what's next" for our country, I think there is more I can do for my goddaughter, for my generation and for all Americans even before Inauguration Day.
That's why I'm sharing this petition with you all and encourage you to sign it if you haven't already:
https://www.change.org/p/electoral-college-electors-electoral-college-make-hillary-clinton-president-on-december-19
After consulting with folks who understand the depth and scope of our Constitution way better than I ever could, I am confident that signing this petition and perhaps starting a GoFundMe/Kickstarter page to raise funds for "faithless electors" is the last chance we have to make our voice heard.
I have reached out to several people about this, and most of the reactions I have received are "This will never happen." 'It's a long shot." And I understand, those points are valid. There's no victory guaranteed here.
Yet that's the thing about fighting against the odds. You're not fighting to win; you're fighting for what you believe is right in your heart. And as our great Democratic candidate said in her speech so eloquently and so genuinely on Wednesday: "Fighting for what's right is worth it."
I love my country. So if we can't change the electoral college's mind by December 19, I will of course respectfully accept the incoming administration, supporting our current president's vision for a smooth transition of power. Back when our second president was elected, many world powers believed we would never be able to transition so smoothly from one leader to another. We have proven the world wrong for over 200 years. I plan to uphold this tradition of American resilience and brilliance. And because I love my country, I will do what I can in my own ordinary ways to protect what is constitutionally, lawfully and rightly guaranteed to all Americans (and all those hoping to become American) after Inauguration Day.
We have faced great odds before and have faced them with determination, strength and above of all - love of country. If we succeed, we could make a lasting difference for so many now and long into the future. If we fail, then at least when the future calls on us to take accountability for this year's election, we will be able to say, "We fought for you until the very end. And even then, we never gave up hope."
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