![]() I woke up. I stepped gingerly out of the bedroom. I found my husband. I had to ask. I didn’t watch the results coming in because, well because American politics is stressful and anger-inducing. American politics, with its anger and fear-mongering can make you want to curl up with a picture of Justin Trudeau and fall asleep wrapped in a Maple Leaf decorated duvet while listening to The Tragically Hip. “Who is their President?” I asked. I didn’t expect I would be surprised. Surely, common sense prevailed. Surely, I would get to tell my girls that history had been made and there would be a Madame President to discuss over breakfast. “The Bad Man.” My husband said. “No, you’re just saying that.” I laugh. He wanted to see the look on my face. He wanted to have a laugh, right? “I’m not kidding.” He said. It’s one of those things you know. You’ll always remember where you were and how you found out. Like the day Princess Diana died, or September 11th or when you read your first Harry Potter novel. This won’t be measured prose, or even well-thought out, for that matter. This is a completely reactive and emotional response to one of the scariest things I’ve ever had to witness. You knew I’d write about it, right? I feel I’m at a safe distance, up here in Canada, to see your American Election results for what they are. A complete and utter abomination of all things good and fair. A terrifying testament to what a large portion of your country is thinking. A confirmation of the racism, misogyny, and general hate in the hearts and minds of enough of your population to elect a fucking MadMan. He’s a bad man, an evil man, and he didn’t even have to hide it from you to garner your support. You elected a boogeyman and now you have to live with it. Many of you voted for Hillary. Many of you see the monster for what he is. You fear for minorities, people with disabilities, women and children, LGBTQ and those seeking asylum from dictators and wars and other such atrocities. You’re shocked. You’ve no choice but to watch the next four years unfold like some fucking slow-motion nightmare from which you can’t wake up. I’m so sorry. Come up here. We have civil rights and freedoms for everyon. We can protect you from him. I guess, it’s true, anyone can grow up to be President of the United States.
5 Comments
Linda
11/9/2016 07:45:29 am
I went to sleep last night not really having confirmation on who the president was. However, I had a pretty good idea. I did not sleep well knowing where my country was headed. I teach students with disabilities and worry about their future. Now more than ever. I worry about my husband who is going through his second round of cancer treatments and wonder how will he receive treatments now. I worry for my daughter who was raised in a rape culture and wonder how bad this will now be for my granddaughter. I have lived 51 years and faced adversities most could not fathom. I am a strong woman and will protect those unable to protect themselves. I will pray daily for the women, old and young, and for our country. In my opinion, this result does not only affect the United States, it affects the entire world. US citizens could move to another country, but it will not help the world. In the early 1980's, my grandfather who immigrated to the US stated, "We are slowly loosing our freedom." The reason he left Poland. I did not elect the bad man.
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Selena Dattoli
11/9/2016 10:12:14 am
I did not vote for him because of the things he said about women, immigrants, disabled people etc. However many of my beliefs aligned more with his "promises". I think it came down to healthcare crisis. We are a middle class family. Our REQUIRED health insurance costs HLF of our monthly income. This expensive insurance should be great right? No! They do not cover ANYTHING until I pay $6,400 out of pocket toward medical care. Then when I meet that amount they only pay 80%. Most lower middle class families cannot afford it at all. So what happens then? Then they get hit with a huge government fee of $800 per year on top of paying out of pocket for any healthcare expenses. Insurances are forecasted to price increase 50-75% People talk about how great that everyone gets coverage and no one can be turned away. Great, if you can afford it. Our economy is hurting and healthcare is one example of that. That's why he was elected. This country is crying out for change and Hilary was going to just continue the same path. I'm scared of what he will do, but I was just as scared of what she wouldn't do.
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Janet Smith
11/10/2016 07:55:04 am
Exactly correct.
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Peggy
11/9/2016 10:51:29 am
I live in New Jersey and my stomach literally dropped when I found out this morning. I am terrified--TERRIFIED--for this country and for my disabled son.
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D'Jango re-Chained
11/9/2016 03:41:21 pm
I fear for my people.
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