Dear Jane,
The country is divided after the 2016 Election results. Republicans vs. Democrats. Blame, hate and cruelty is being passed around on every media outlet. I’m sorry that you have to grow up in a world where hate dominates our neighbors, friends and family.
You are too young to understand what I am talking about. At this point in your life, you are focused on how to get your new toy to make that cool noise again, figuring out how to walk or crawl to the flashy thing across the house, wondering what foods mommy will ask you to try next or gaining excitement when you see that daddy is home from work; wondering what funny face he will make today. Thank goodness you don’t understand everything now. My hope is that by the time you are old enough to understand the dark cloud that has taken over our country, it will be only a history lesson that we have all learned from. Hopefully that lesson will be to love each other no matter what beliefs we follow.
2016 Election – Trump vs. Clinton
This election was chaotic from the start. With a country filled with geniuses, heroes, and level headed, moral individuals, we had the choice between a billionaire businessman who is accused of being a racist, hothead and cheat or a women whom is a career politician accused of being a criminal with an FBI investigation on her belt. Both candidates have heavy baggage, baggage that is too heavy and extensive to get into in this simple letter. This is the best our country can do? Really!
Last week, our country chose what we felt was the lesser of two evils. Since we are a country of various minds, beliefs and motivations, it was a close race with Hillary Clinton winning the popular vote and Donald Trump winning the electoral votes. So, Trump won.
The Election Turned Us Dark
The moment the results were released, our country changed. Riots, protests, vandalism and hate spread across the streets, social media and our television sets. Hateful words were spoken without care whom it hurt. So much so that I feel threatened to share my own beliefs or even discuss the election. I’m not the only one, many continue to stay silent (desperately trying to dodge an argument) while others freely speak their mind without thought of how their words will impact friends, family, co-workers, neighbors… It’s sad really.
While some say it’s scary that Trump is our next president, many have come to be more scared of each other. What we are doing to each other is scary. How quickly we can turn and call our friends, family and neighbors idiots, uneducated, criminals, racist, womanizers, etc.. This was supposed to be our opportunity to join together and be a strong force with the mission to overcome and make sure that America is the greatest country. One man or woman will not determine that. Making America great is our mission and it can only be achieved by working together, respecting each other and loving our country no matter what. Trump alone is not America, we are America. All of us. Black, white, Latino, Asian, gays, straight, all religions, etc.; together, we are America.
My Hope For You
I’m so sorry you have to live in a world with so much hate. My hope for you is that you learn from this and adopt a character of composure, love, respect, trust and moral standing. Never tell someone that they are idiots, uneducated or too hillbilly to make a good choice. That is not how your father and I have raised you and will continue to raise you. Be the change in yourself by exhibiting love and kindness. If, in the future, you do not agree with another’s decision, wish them the best and pray that things will work out. You will have your beliefs, but never lash out in hate. Please!
Jane, even though you are only one year old, you are part of the change. Your smile reminds people that there is good in this world, your laugh establishing happiness and your endless baby babble brings hope and innocence. As you grow, you will change and your actions will too. Those actions will impact everyone around you. People will remember what you say and do, so make sure it’s an act of love, not hate. Inspire, rather than degrade and respect everyone even if you do not believe as they do.
Hopefully Trump will surprise us. I hope the American people can set aside their differences and learn to work together. Remember, Trump alone can’t do that, it’s up to us! Up to you, my dear!
Love you so much!
Mommy
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