For many, this is the day that has been anticipated with fear, anger, sadness and disappointment. As I sit here scrolling through facebook, reading headlines about cutting programs that aid women in abusive relationships, and the ignorant remarks of future cabinet members about the environment and the state of our society,  as I sit here trying to write lesson plans, while a woman being considered to determine my future believes that I will be paid too much to educate children, as I sit here thinking, I am sad. I am sad that there will be children that remember this man as their first president. I am sad that there are immigrants to this country (documented or otherwise) who fear for their future. I am sad that my friends of color will once again be put in a situation where a group of racist white people are going to do everything in their power to shut them up. I am sad that my LGTBQAI friends are afraid they have to fight for their love again. I am sad that my Muslim friends are afraid to participate in their religion or go out in public. I am sad that my fellow women are to once again be reminded that our bodies are controlled exclusively by men, that our health doesn’t matter, that our personal choices are evil. I am sad that there are little boys who will think that our new President is a role model, who will be subjected to an archaic and toxic stereotype of masculinity that should have disappeared years ago. I am sad for the working class citizens who voted for this man, who thought that he could help them finally achieve the American Dream they’ve been lied to about, will soon learn that he doesn’t care about them, that they are numbers, profits, sheep. I am sad for the people who are sick or have family that is sick who may lose their ability to get the care they need. I am sad that after 8 years of class, and security, and progress we are standing on the edge of a huge unknown cliff, where Russian hacking and meddling in our election is tolerated, but an unsecured email is not. BUT, after I submit this post I will not be sad anymore. I am going to work everyday to help as many people as I can to feel that they are appreciated and their rights and life do matter. I am going to petition my representatives, write as much as I can, VOTE, encourage others to VOTE and teach my students the real truth and the skills to be compassionate informed citizens. To My Fellow millennials, the time has come for us to stand up. PLEASE realize this is not over, we have interim house elections in 2 years, and we can make a statement, demand that your local representative doesn’t take a back seat or we will elect someone who does. WE can make this happen. WE NEED TO VOTE and ENCOURAGE OUR FRIENDS TO VOTE. Educate yourself, make your voice heard. On today of all days, THIS is not over.Â
