When I went to bed during the early hours of Nov. 8, 2016, I was experiencing a good amount of anxiety. This anxiety came from the fact that the biggest nightmare that I had had for the past year came true: Republican nominee Donald Trump was elected president.
I was a passionate supporter of the Democratic nominee, Secretary Hillary Clinton. She stood for everything I believed in. She fought for the rights of all people, not just the rights for the specific few at the top. She stood for equality for women, minorities, immigrants, Muslims, members of the LGBTQ community and people with disabilities. When I found out that Trump was elected, I was heartbroken.
Before I go any further, I want to make something perfectly clear. I accept and respect the fact that Trump will be our next president. The people have voted and they have voted in favor of Trump. Am I happy about that? No, I am not. Do I plan on voting against him if he runs for re-election in 2020? Yes, I do. While I am not at all happy about the election results, the best I can do is to make the most out of the next four years.
President Obama made a very important point when he publicly congratulated Trump’s victory.
“It is no secret that the president-elect and I have some pretty significant differences,” Obama said. While Obama acknowledged their differences, he also acknowledged their similarities, saying, “We all want what’s best for this country.”
It is important to remember that despite some of us being Republicans and some of us being Democrats, we are all Americans. As Americans, we all share a love for our country. The best thing we can do is work together. If we just decide to shut each other out, nothing can get done. Compromise is the key to success.
Even Trump spoke on the importance of coming together in his victory speech.
“For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, of which there were a few people, I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help so that we can work together and unify our great country,” Trump said.
In the midst of defeat, Clinton did not demand a recount or call for a rebellion. She accepted the fact that America elected Trump. In her concession speech, Clinton spoke on the importance for all Americans to come together to help fulfil the American dream.
“And I still believe, as deeply as I ever have, that if we stand together and work together with respect for our differences, strengths for our convictions and love for this nation, our best days are still ahead of us,” Clinton said.
While I am not happy about the election results and while I do plan on voting for the Democratic Party again in 2020, I am asking everyone, Democrats and Republicans, to come together and help create a better future for our country.
Michael Willson
mnwillson@vwc.edu
