Opinion
Chronicle
Page 14 | Monday, November 14, 2016
Election results show divided nation, needs unity Courtney Prais Opinion Editor
The world’s reactions ranged from shock and disappointment to relief and celebration Tuesday, Nov. 8, when results of this year’s presidential election flooded in late that night and early into Wednesday morning. Around 2:40 a.m., Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton called Trump to concede, and soon after Trump took to the stage to deliver a tastefully short victory speech. His demeanor was slightly uncharacteristic from the man we have seen the last six months. Trump gave a nod to Clinton, remarking she, “has worked very long and very hard and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country.” The president-elect even called for a unification of the American people, which, to some, may seem ironic considering Trump has seemingly created many of the, “wounds of division,” which exist in our country. Former Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson, who openly endorsed Trump in March of this year, expressed to Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric that Trump was “quite somber,” once he began to sense victory. Some part of Trump must have doubted his own ability to pull through, especially with the polls predicting a consistent lead for Clinton. Now, Trump is faced with the burden that awaits him and, as a man with no political or military experience, he is most likely worried, maybe a little scared. Perhaps Trump is wondering if he came into this election too fiercely. As same day votes poured into the polls, Trump’s team even removed the statement on his website to ban all Muslims from the US. This leads me to question if he is actually retracting promises made during his campaigning, or if he is taking a step back only to plunge forward once officially in office. Many speculations similar to my own have dominated social media with people,
especially millennials, frivolously posting about their outrage over Trump’s victory and fear for the LGBT community, people of color, women, the disabled, immigrants- anyone marginalized or targeted as the “other.” The panic continued to mount as protesters took to the streets in at least 25 cities, including New York City, California, and Chicago. “Not my president,” they chanted, a powerful and emotional response to Tuesday’s outcome. My views on these protests have changed from uncertainty to admiration. Protesting is everyone’s right, so long as it is done legally. Protesting matters. It holds importance. A lot has happened between now and last Tuesday. Many thought that that night would be the end of the fighting; estranged family and friends, tensions between this side and that, but the fight seems to have
intensified, grown louder and stronger. Right now, it is important for people to express their disappointment, especially after a long and passionate stretch. The same democratic system that has granted Americans their desired candidate has also granted individuals the right to march through the streets. What frustrates me most about the result of this election was how ill-informed and irresponsible voters were when casting their ballots. At least 15,000 votes were write-ins for a dead gorilla, which sounds humorous, but is truly childish and immature. American citizens wasted the opportunity to make their voice heard, to make a conscious decision in such a close election. Really, it is unacceptable in any election. “My vote doesn’t matter,” Americans proclaim. Except it does and many did nothing but take advan-
Graphic made by Hannah Strassburger
tage of their rights. As a woman, I mourn the loss of a would-be female president. I mourn for those women who fought long and hard to see the day when a female would get so far as to win the popular vote in the race to become the President of the United States, only to have such a dream snatched away right before their eyes. However, Hillary did pave the way for those to follow in her footsteps. And, amazingly, the US saw six females take government positions, all of which made history with their wins. Right now, it is difficult to make sense of the chaos and pick the positives from the negatives. I understand, though, that the outcome cannot be altered. I understand the decision was made based on a variety of factors, factors which ultimately rested upon a tired and frustrated nation. What I can only hope for
my fellow Americans is that we act with respect for one another, with understanding and love in a time when many of us feel trodden upon. We saw the division in our country and hated it, and now we must take the time to heal. “Don’t get cynical,” said President Obama to those dismayed by Trump’s win. “Don’t ever think you can’t make a difference.” We must work together, whether that be as Democrats, Republicans, Americans, or simply human beings, both to ensure the right changes are made, and to fight if we are faced with the wrong ones. We will be okay, despite the strife. If anything, this election has brought out the worst in our people, but also a beautiful amount of resilience. I remain faithful that no matter what trials and tribulations await us, the American people will not back down.