Capturing reactions after an incomprehensible and shocking event like last night is difficult but important. Since the early hours of Wednesday morning, I have felt as though an alien has taken over my body and I’m walking around in a surreal, deeply saddened and fearful state. The prospect of having a first inspiring, female President seems like a lifetime ago and all of the progressive greatness that has been achieved throughout Obama’s administration seems to have been swept away.
It is so hard to be optimistic. My wise cousin has tried to reinforce this optimism that I once had inside of me. This hurts the Republican Party , he says, and it gives the Democrats something to point to and say “look how ugly you are”. My cousin is right. Now, more than ever, is a time for those of us still sane to come together and defeat the facist, racist, misogynist that is Donald Trump and his moronic supporters. I’ve gathered together some initial thoughts from friends and family who have been affected greatly by the outcome of this election.
Natalie Stoclet, New York: “As a millennial I feel compelled to discourage complacency, and work towards a movement for a more inclusive government for our future.”
Miles Stanley, D.C: “I think our country missed out on a long, hard-fought, and important opportunity for women around the world, and we showed to the world again that we are not fit to lead.”
Sophie Arndt, Illinois: “I’m shocked and shamed to be an American today, but most of all I’m mad at those who chose to protest vote or abstain. They don’t realize the luxury they have to vote in a free world; a luxury that people die every day trying to achieve. In an election in which so much was at stake, this was not the time to make a statement and not participate in the political process.”
Jon Andrew, Ohio: “However devastating this result is and however disheartened we feel by the choice that the American people have made, let us always remember that there are beautiful, kind and generous people who voted for Hillary Clinton, and beautiful, kind and generous people who voted for Donald Trump. We are all defined by so much more than who we vote for in elections.”
Julian, Illinois: “Brick layers across the country are stocking up on cement and spades and running to Mexico.”
Steven Lambert, London: “Would the last one out, please turn off the lights? Thank you.”
It Takes Two 