How To: Move On
No class, book, theory, thought or conscience could prepare us for the outcome of the 2016 Presidential Election. Every poll, article, and news coverage of this election swayed toward blue but we ended upā¦err orange? For many of us, we are in shock, disbelief and disgust while some of our country is excited about the new changes that their candidate has promised. I have my own personal beliefs as well as the overĀ 320,000,000Ā people and counting in the USA. Right about now would be the ideal time to start getting visions like Raven did. I would give up my first born to know if our country really is going in the direction of hate, bigotry and ignorance. Unfortunately, I am not psychic and canāt promise any real outcomes. BUT we can process this information and figure out ways to make America work for ourselves, our communities and the world. We have 71 days until a new president steps into Washington. Pointing fingers and questioning why this happened wonāt help. It is time to get educated on issues, reading the legislation that will be voted on and holding our local representatives accountable. Use the power of the internet to research issues that matter to you and contact your congressman or congresswoman. This is an unsettling time in the land of the free. Knowing that there are people in this country who think my value as an American is lesser because of my background, gender, sexual identity and experiences is crushing. And I would be lying if I said I wasnāt scared of what is to come. Unlike those who voted on the basis of fear and hate, I refuse to let my uncertainties about this man and his followers get the best of me. John F. Kennedy said, āLet us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.āĀ Our democracy has spoken and the candidate who ran on fear won. But we will never let fear be the sole factor in decision making and legislation. Our constitution and institutions, which welcome freedom to speak and protect our civil and social rights will prevail as long as we continue to educate and spread respect and love. I hope making an online community that promotes ideas of progress and love will prevail. I hope those dank memes we share to make us laugh get us through the hard times. And I hope people will act on their conscience and morals over hatred and fear.Ā āWhat doesnāt kill you makes you strongerā and stronger we will be.Ā
