The Aftermath
It's been a few days since Election Day. This week has been the longest year. It’s been a struggle. Truthfully, I didn’t see this coming. I feel foolish for being so naive.
It's been a few days since Election Day. This week has been the longest year. It’s been a struggle. Truthfully, I didn’t see this coming. I feel foolish for being so naive. I thought we were ready to move on from Donald Trump and those lurking in the shadows. I was certain the momentum was barreling toward an inevitable blue wave. I thought that Americans would gravitate toward an appeal for a fresh start. I never imagined a Kamala Harris defeat.
I was blindsided.
70 million of us, did gravitate. That just wasn’t enough.
I’m still trying to clear my head from the fog. I’m not ready for four more years of Trump and the MAGA movement. To say I’m disappointed would be overly simplistic.
I’m freaking out.
This isn't just about politics; it's about the thinning fabric our democracy is hanging on and the future we envision for ourselves, our children, and our world.
The Exhaustion of Constant Anger
One of the most insidious effects of the Trump presidency has been the constant state of anger and outrage it has engineered.
I'm tired. We're all tired.
The relentless cycle of provocative tweets or “truths” - (which is comical at best), divisive speeches, and inflammatory policies has left many of us perpetually on edge. This constant state of heightened emotion is not just mentally exhausting; it's physically draining and socially corrosive.
It's affected our relationships, turning usually friendly conversations into potential minefields.
Friendships have been strained or broken over political differences.
The stress has taken a toll on our mental health, contributing to anxiety and depression for many.
This anger isn't accidental. It's an intentional tool to keep us divided, demoralized, disengaged, distracted, and disempowered.
A Step Backward for Democracy and Unity
The outcome of this election feels like more than just a political loss; it represents a significant step backward for our shared values. The next few months and years are critical, the stakes have never been higher. The dangers posed by a Trump presidency are not abstract; they are real and immediate.
Attacks on Democratic Institutions: Trump's blatant disregard for democratic norms is scary. His administration was marked by an erosion of trust in our electoral processes and institutions. We witnessed firsthand how he undermined the legitimacy of the 2020 election, and now we face the possibility of further attempts to delegitimize future elections.
Incitement of Division: Most concerning is Trump's constant drive to create division instead of unity. His rhetoric pits Americans against each other, fostering an "us vs. them" mentality that tears at the fabric of who we are. The growing divide in our nation makes it increasingly challenging to find common ground and collaborate on the urgent issues we face.
Economic Policies That Hurt Americans: Trump's economic approach, particularly his stance on tariffs, is deeply troubling. Despite claims that tariffs will make other countries "pay," the reality is that tariffs are essentially a tax on American consumers and businesses.
It’s pretty simple stuff: higher taxes on goods = higher costs on those goods.
His previous tariffs resulted in American households bearing most of the economic burden and proposed new tariffs could cost the average family thousands of dollars annually.
Climate Denial and Public Health
Climate Change: Under Trump, we saw a blatant disregard for science and environmental policy. His dismissal of climate change as a hoax while wildfires rage and storms intensify is not just irresponsible; it's dangerous. The consequences of inaction on climate change will affect generations to come.
Public Health Crisis: His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was catastrophic. The loss of tens of thousands of lives due to mismanagement is a tragedy that cannot be overlooked.
Global Security at Risk
The implications of this election extend far beyond our borders, threatening global stability and security in ways that should concern every American.
NATO in Jeopardy: Trump's skepticism towards NATO is well known, and the fears that he might withdraw the U.S. from this alliance are real. Such a move would weaken European security, diminish U.S. global influence, and potentially embolden our adversaries. Even without a formal withdrawal, a "quiet quitting" approach could severely undermine NATO's effectiveness and cohesion.
The Ukraine Conflict: A potential Russian victory in Ukraine, which seems more likely under a Trump administration, poses a significant global threat. It would embolden authoritarian regimes worldwide, undermine international norms of territorial integrity, shift the balance of power in Europe, and signal to Vladimir Putin that Russia now has permission to do as he pleases. The humanitarian crisis that would follow cannot be overstated.
Prolonged War in Gaza: The war in Gaza needs to end. Now. This crisis requires delicate diplomacy and a commitment to human rights. Will Trump’s administration take a more unilateral approach? This could potentially exacerbate tensions in the Middle East and divert attention from other critical global issues.
These global challenges are interconnected. A weakened NATO, coupled with ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, could create a power vacuum that adversaries might exploit, threatening the stability we've always taken for granted.
Don’t give up yet
Most of us are still recovering from what felt like a direct punch to the kidneys. We need to acknowledge these feelings, to mourn what could have been. Take the time you need, and get away from all of this for a bit. But, don’t stay down too long.
When you’re ready, stay engaged and stay informed. Get involved in grassroots organizations that align with your values. Have constructive discussions with friends who have different perspectives. Practice self-care and know when to take breaks. Educate yourself about policy, read it for yourself.
In a democracy, the government should work for everyone, not just the loudest or most extreme voices. And certainly not those with the most money. Don’t let them steal our democracy while we are fighting amongst ourselves.