By TAYLOR FARNSWORTH
Staff Writer
We didn’t think he would win the primaries, but he did. We didn’t think he would get the popular vote, but he did. We didn’t think he would become the next President of the United States of America, but he did.
It was believed by many that the election would be a win for Senator Hillary Clinton, but it wasn’t. Swing states like Florida and Pennsylvania fell into favor of a Trump Presidency, leaving jaws dropped and eyes glued to the television screens for hours. The idea that this man could really be the next President of the United States became a realization among American’s that were once confident in the certainty of his defeat.
My concern with a Trump Presidency is not that a Republican won, this election was more than just a two party system beating the other. This election was about morality and policies. The morality of the outcome of this election caused an unsettling confliction within myself, as I wondered how a place built on liberties and freedom, could vote for someone who defies those very same principles.
With Republicans having gained control of the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, I am fearful but curious as to what that means for America’s future. What does this mean for women’s rights? For the LGBTQ community? For minorities? For health care? For climate change? For our economy? We don’t have those answers. But those questions, those concerns, linger in the minds of American’s that feared Trump’s victory to the White House.
Not only are American’s nervous over a confirmed Trump Presidency, but leaders of Mexico, Asia, and Europe are too. Vladimir Putin seems to be one of the few that’s truly satisfied with the results. But that doesn’t come as a surprise given the amount of interference they had within this election.
Third party votes are being blamed by some Americans for Trump’s victory. How accurate that is, no one can really know for certain. However, had the votes for Gary Johnson or Jill Stein all gone to Clinton in states like Florida, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, we would be seeing a different winner of this election than we see today. But this is democracy, and this is what makes America so great. Because we can vote, we have a say in who makes it to the White House. I am pleased to see so many American’s went out and voted, proved that their voice in this election was powerful, but I cannot help but to feel disappointed as well.
I cannot support someone whose made fun of and mocked the disabled, talked down POW’s, been accused of sexually assaulting women, been endorsed by the KKK, and has the temperament of a three-year-old. But I can support my Country, and the voices that were heard on Tuesday night. This is now about the American people desperately wanting change, even if the person they expect it from is entirely unqualified and unfit to be commander in chief.
I voted, and that was the difference I made. Despite the outcome not being in my favor, I know that now there is nothing else to do but watch, praying a Trump Presidency is not as bad as I fear.
Excellent, insightful.