Democracy Needs You
America failed itself by electing Donald Trump. You can be defiant and say this is what you voted for, but it isn’t.
Trump lied about everything and broke his campaign promises. He is dragging us into wars, not bringing peace. He is worsening our economy, not strengthening it. He is attacking your constitutional rights and defying the rule of law. Trump lied to the working class. He works for himself and the ultra-wealthy.
44% of registered voters cast their ballot for Trump, and only 1% of the population benefits from his presidency. You didn’t vote for that. You were mad at the system and thought that if you voted for Trump, it would teach the government a lesson and make them pay attention to your problems, but the real lesson is that Democracy is not a game.
And if you didn’t show up to vote, or voted for a third-party candidate you knew had no chance of winning, you share as much responsibility for everything happening as those who voted for Trump.
Democracy is not something you show up for once every four years, or turn your back on altogether, and expect it to keep working for you. Continual efforts must be made to maintain and protect our freedoms, enact change, and move us forward. It isn’t about one march, one protest, or one vote. It is about a constant push for what you believe in.
Our work is greater now. It isn’t just about progress anymore. It is about stopping our decline so that we can move forward once again. Let us not allow this moment to be our downfall. Learn from it, be driven by it, and use it to get more people involved.
If you want more attention on human rights around the world, vote for the candidate who will do the most for them while using your voice to tell their stories and raise awareness.
If you want better wages and more opportunity, then put your ire towards the politicians and corporations who have taken from you, not the immigrants who share your plight.
If you want more political parties, vote for the best candidate today while working on efforts to empower new parties and independents tomorrow.
America is falling behind, our democracy is cracking, and inequality is worsening, but it is never too late to get involved, to admit mistakes, or to right wrongs. Join in marches and protests. Use your voice to inspire others. Vote for change, including in primaries. And if none of the candidates are good enough, run for office. Do it for yourself, your friends, your children, and our nation’s future.
Whatever you do, do not give up on what we have or help burn it to the ground. You will not find democracy among the ashes. The idea of what America can become is far greater than the fear and hatred dragging it down.