The Aftermath

Now that the election is over I am finding it hard not to worry about how all of us will be adversely affected by the policies of the new administration. Just trying to imagine what all those people who the president-elect has said he would ban or deport must be feeling right now makes me want to weep. How did a person completely lacking in empathy for his fellow human beings become our president? What will happen to all those people who will lose their health insurance when he repeals the Affordable Care Act? How will the Republican policies affect the environment or our friends and allies around the world? I'm horrified by the increase of hate crimes against minorities and the LGBT community by a part of the electorate who believes they have been given a mandate to act on their prejudices. Then there are his minions who rush to chastise anyone criticizing his hateful rhetoric by insisting that it is unfair to judge him before he has had a chance to govern. Seriously?

So now what do we do? Being silent is not an option. Getting together with friends and discussing what to do next seems like the best idea. The president-elect and the members of Republican establishment will have to be held accountable for their actions and it's up to all of us to make sure that happens. Donating time and money to organizations that promote progressive causes can help those at risk. In two years there will be another election and we can work to replace those legislators who support right wing policies. The cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." We can keep her words in mind as we weather the next few years and hope for the best!