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America is reeling. Republicans are elated while Democrats are shocked. I understand that many voters like Donald Trump’s “authenticity.” He is able to make voters feel that he is their friend and that he is the one that understands them, though he regularly demeans women and minority groups. He was also able to convince voters that he and he alone can fix the country’s problems.
Trump has told us how he will solve the country’s problems including mass deportations, military action to dissuade protestors, suppression of media that isn’t supportive of him, retribution against those who resist him, elimination of regulation that protects our health and well-being, criminalization of abortion and one-day solutions in Ukraine and the Middle East. I believe these are draconian measures to ensure power and there is only one word that describes them: “meanness.” This is what voters have said is OK now for America.
Did Trump voters know what they actually voted for? I don’t believe so. I grew up having faith in the goodness of Americans reinforced in my extensive travels throughout this country. I don’t want to avoid neighbors or friends because they were Trump supporters. Many of them would be the first to offer help in a crisis, without discrimination. I know they are not mean people.
There is no doubt that America has its problems. A shake-up might even be a good thing. But meanness is not the solution. This might be who Trump is, but it’s not what America should be.
Lucy Leaf
Ellsworth