As the election started getting closer, I knew the chances of Harris winning were slim… so I was already resigned to it before the night even started. I used to go to church with White Republican Evangelicals in California and I could see by their social media that none of Trump’s racist and misogynistic antics, January 6th, or his military leaders’ warnings were a deterrent for their vote. That’s how I knew how the swing states would go. They and the pundits will say that it came down to the economy/inflation, or immigration, or anti-abortion policies… But really I see and know that basically America is not great, has never been that great - Built on stolen land on the backs of slaves, an electoral system that caters to a minority of states, racist prison institutions and police policies, excessive military spending, funding and weaponry to Israel who commit war crimes with our tax dollars, villainization of immigrants, dismissal of public education, banning of books, corporate owned media conglomerates…. I could go on and on but you get the picture. Basically they bought Trump’s lies because they wanted to, because he called on their baser instincts.
The one good thing is that now none of us will continue under the illusion that “this is not who we are.” In 2016, Democrats could say, “Oh they just don’t know how bad he is.” Can’t say that anymore - he quadrupled down with the ugliness and they voted for him nonetheless. So yes, this is exactly who America is. I will continue to live in California and do what I can locally, I will still love my neighbors (going to a different church helps immensely), and I will still strive to do God’s work where I can.
My daughter asked me how I’m taking this election outcome, and I told her I’m mostly sad for all my friends and family that didn’t see this coming… that are in despair. For those of you, please know that I’m still going to fight the good fight, and I hope you will join me when you’re ready.
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