It’s three a.m. as I’m writing this. Three a.m. on the morning of November 7th, 2024. These past two days have been havoc for what I’m assuming is the general population. There was so much uncertainty, hope, and determination in the 2024 general election. Every social media outlet I opened was flooded with messages to make our voices heard and to vote for our future, and for our country.
And we did. We put so much passion into this race for the White House. I saw so many of my friends use their platform as a tool to educate, I learned about the experiences of a black woman and how she felt in line to vote, and I learned about the importance of voting for a person's immigrant family from a Latina voter. I’m proud of all these people who made their voices heard. They told us exactly why they were voting, and why it mattered to not only themselves but to their souls.
I can say with certainty that this election proved our dedication--the dedication of the next generation desperately trying to piece together the world left for them. I know thousands of us– millions– are scared of what the future holds. We’re afraid of what is going to happen now that everything we stand for is threatened. But the fight isn’t over yet.
And we did. We put so much passion into this race for the White House. I saw so many of my friends use their platform as a tool to educate, I learned about the experiences of a black woman and how she felt in line to vote, and I learned about the importance of voting for a person's immigrant family from a Latina voter. I’m proud of all these people who made their voices heard. They told us exactly why they were voting, and why it mattered to not only themselves but to their souls.
I can say with certainty that this election proved our dedication--the dedication of the next generation desperately trying to piece together the world left for them. I know thousands of us– millions– are scared of what the future holds. We’re afraid of what is going to happen now that everything we stand for is threatened. But the fight isn’t over yet.
First things first, let’s get something out of the way: I’m f***ing pissed. I’m pissed at the fact we—a country who claims to be the best—would rather elect a 34 count white felon rather than take orders from a woman. WOW. Great job with your so-called progress America.
With former president Donald J. Trump now predicted to hold the 2024 Presidential seat, many of us are afraid for good reason. This election had so much at stake: the freedom of women, people of color, immigrants, the middle and lower classes, and a great majority of those living in the U.S. I know I’m terrified. If some of these rumors are true, there’s no saying how far back Citizen Naturalization will be removed. I’m a born and raised Mexican who was only able to get citizenship because of my father being born on U.S soil to Mexican parents. If this is a proven agenda for the predicted President, there’s no telling how far back he’ll go. Will my citizenship be nullified because I achieved it through a naturalized parent even though I wasn’t born on U.S soil?
There are so many questions I’m asking myself that no “American” should have to ask themselves. The country I had given so much to just to get an A4 paper with a fancy seal now wants to take it all away. I pray for this to be false, but I’m swallowed in fear every waking moment. Millions of other Americans have felt this way, some unfortunately so much longer than others, and this election has all that at stake.
There are so many questions I’m asking myself that no “American” should have to ask themselves. The country I had given so much to just to get an A4 paper with a fancy seal now wants to take it all away. I pray for this to be false, but I’m swallowed in fear every waking moment. Millions of other Americans have felt this way, some unfortunately so much longer than others, and this election has all that at stake.
It’s now been a few days after the election and social media platforms are packed with Trump voters declaring they wished they could take back their vote; yeah, we’ve been wishing for that since day one. Yet now, we can only hope to bring about change with the current government elect.
A Republican-dominated House of Representatives and Senate will make a Republican President's policies transfer smoothly. So there’s no telling what the limit will be for some Republican politicians. Will they choose to follow the will of their people, that they agreed to defend the moment they stepped into office? Or will they follow their boss who—in most cases—gave them a job? Will they reach their limit when the middle class is paying double their income in taxes, or will they realize what they’ve done once democracy has been destroyed?
A Republican-dominated House of Representatives and Senate will make a Republican President's policies transfer smoothly. So there’s no telling what the limit will be for some Republican politicians. Will they choose to follow the will of their people, that they agreed to defend the moment they stepped into office? Or will they follow their boss who—in most cases—gave them a job? Will they reach their limit when the middle class is paying double their income in taxes, or will they realize what they’ve done once democracy has been destroyed?
So what happens now? Do we lie low in hopes we won’t cause an obstacle in our new President's path? Or do we revolt for the freedom we were always promised? The answer many may not agree with, but it’s neither.
I’m not saying I’m supporting or defending the newly elected President, I never have and I never will, but I’ve been left with no choice but to accept this. If we revolt, we’d be no better than the Rioters who cause nationwide panic on January 6th, 2020. But if we lie low we’d be rejecting the practice of democracy our —very controversial-- forefathers have left us to defend our rights as people and not a political party.
On September 17th, 1796, George Washington warned the American nation that," [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely […] to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion” (Washington, 1796). What he said has always stricken me as ironic. The first president of this glorious nation, a veteran who had seen all the cunning sides of mankind, warned against entrusting a people’s will into a group which claims to have their best interests in mind, yet it’s the same thing we’ve always done. I’ve seen it in my own family, in acquaintances, and in friends, that uneducated voters entrust their lives to not people, but words: Republican or Democrat.
In Federalist Paper No. 10 (my personal favorite of the papers), James Madison argued that the main cause of factions is the “unequal distribution of property” (Madison 7). In the current state of our country, the cost of buying a house for even a single carton of eggs has skyrocketed. Those in the middle and lower classes suffer from this, but those in the higher classes thrive from it, thus, a faction is created. In current day America we have a lovely two party political system (sorry Washington): the Democrats, who tend to favor the lower and middle classes, and the Republicans, who cater towards those in the higher classes.
One of the main issues during this election has been gas prices. Almost $4 for a gallon is insane to many, and they may have voted Republican because “the economy was better during their time.” While I do agree the economy was in a good place, what price are we willing to pay to lower gas prices? Are we willing to risk the lives of thousands of women who are victims to their own reproductive systems, or the lives of those immigrants who keep this country running without appreciation? Will you be content if you have to pay $10 for a carton of eggs? But hey, at least a gallon of gas is $3.30 now!
These actions have devastating consequences and many don’t know they will. In searching for freedom, chasing our own desires, and blocking views of others unlike ourselves, we’ve lost the true meaning of democracy. But what really is this word “democracy” that is always thrown around?
I’m not saying I’m supporting or defending the newly elected President, I never have and I never will, but I’ve been left with no choice but to accept this. If we revolt, we’d be no better than the Rioters who cause nationwide panic on January 6th, 2020. But if we lie low we’d be rejecting the practice of democracy our —very controversial-- forefathers have left us to defend our rights as people and not a political party.
On September 17th, 1796, George Washington warned the American nation that," [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely […] to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion” (Washington, 1796). What he said has always stricken me as ironic. The first president of this glorious nation, a veteran who had seen all the cunning sides of mankind, warned against entrusting a people’s will into a group which claims to have their best interests in mind, yet it’s the same thing we’ve always done. I’ve seen it in my own family, in acquaintances, and in friends, that uneducated voters entrust their lives to not people, but words: Republican or Democrat.
In Federalist Paper No. 10 (my personal favorite of the papers), James Madison argued that the main cause of factions is the “unequal distribution of property” (Madison 7). In the current state of our country, the cost of buying a house for even a single carton of eggs has skyrocketed. Those in the middle and lower classes suffer from this, but those in the higher classes thrive from it, thus, a faction is created. In current day America we have a lovely two party political system (sorry Washington): the Democrats, who tend to favor the lower and middle classes, and the Republicans, who cater towards those in the higher classes.
One of the main issues during this election has been gas prices. Almost $4 for a gallon is insane to many, and they may have voted Republican because “the economy was better during their time.” While I do agree the economy was in a good place, what price are we willing to pay to lower gas prices? Are we willing to risk the lives of thousands of women who are victims to their own reproductive systems, or the lives of those immigrants who keep this country running without appreciation? Will you be content if you have to pay $10 for a carton of eggs? But hey, at least a gallon of gas is $3.30 now!
These actions have devastating consequences and many don’t know they will. In searching for freedom, chasing our own desires, and blocking views of others unlike ourselves, we’ve lost the true meaning of democracy. But what really is this word “democracy” that is always thrown around?
Over the summer I took Political Science 123 at Loyola University Chicago at a program called Speak Up Democracy. I could go into heavy detail (and I will, just at a later date) but for now, just know this: I learned more in those two weeks about this so-called “democracy” than many adults have in their entire lifetime. So allow me to spread my knowledge to the masses, and teach you all about the true meaning of democracy.
The first thing my college professor taught me was the literal meaning of democracy. Democracy is derived from the Greek words demos kratos. Literally translating to “people power.” Yes, that’s basically what democracy means, it’s a government where the power is within the people who elect and keep their representatives in check. But in execution? What does the practice of democracy truly represent?
My very first college paper was titled “Socrates’ Decision,” yeah, not very creative. But the material has stuck with me since. In Plato’s dialogue Crito, philosopher Socrates is visited by his wealthy friend Crito who hopes to convince Socrates to escape before he is killed. Socrates however, states that he will not leave as “one should never do wrong in return, nor do any man harm, no matter what they have done to you” (Socrates 52). While it may take a deeper analysis to fully understand this quote, trust me when I say that Socrates believes in an unspoken social contract between the Athenian government and its citizens. He trusts that governments are founded to respect and provide for its citizens, who are then expected to return respect. But why am I reciting the words of some old crazy Greek philosopher? Well, because he’s right. A government is founded to provide its citizens with nothing but the best in both respect and opportunity. But now, it’s all up in the air. President elect Trump claims he will aim to “Make America Great Again,” but how will we when we’ve never been great? His proposed regulations and speeches are aimed for the highest wealth classes: billionaires and businessmen. How does he expect loyalty from America when he only acknowledges the social class he is “in”? Those in power must understand that loyalty is a two way street.
But what about us? Where do we, the people of the United States of America, come into the equation? That’s the thing, we’re supposed to be a part of every equation at any given moment. We can have a say in almost every branch of government. Many Americans know they have certain unalienable rights, but they rarely ever use their most powerful right: freedom of speech. The monochrome ambitions of society aren’t justifiable. Everyone’s quiet when others are being harmed, and when they decide to finally speak out, it’s because they’re directly wrongly affected. This is shitty, yes, but if we actually want to do something, we can’t keep blaming others for their insensitivity. We have to address why this all is happening in the first place: lack of education.
Our founding fathers had one thing right, some people are too uneducated to vote. While I’m insanely grateful and proud of where we’ve gotten in terms of voting rights, I don’t preach for increasing voter turnout, I preach for educated voters.
Thousands of Americans view the government as a self-operating machine. They put blind faith into a red or blue campaign and hope to get exactly what they want out of it. We can’t regret our decision in the Presidential elections if we had done our research. I know I don’t regret my votes. I opened an online preview of the Illinois ballot and went through every single candidate's names. From presidential candidates to those running for circuit courts of Chicago. I went in as an educated voter, and I understand the consequences that this election will cause in the future.
There’s a fear in my being for what the future may bring. But I know one thing: Americans are fucking stubborn.
The first thing my college professor taught me was the literal meaning of democracy. Democracy is derived from the Greek words demos kratos. Literally translating to “people power.” Yes, that’s basically what democracy means, it’s a government where the power is within the people who elect and keep their representatives in check. But in execution? What does the practice of democracy truly represent?
My very first college paper was titled “Socrates’ Decision,” yeah, not very creative. But the material has stuck with me since. In Plato’s dialogue Crito, philosopher Socrates is visited by his wealthy friend Crito who hopes to convince Socrates to escape before he is killed. Socrates however, states that he will not leave as “one should never do wrong in return, nor do any man harm, no matter what they have done to you” (Socrates 52). While it may take a deeper analysis to fully understand this quote, trust me when I say that Socrates believes in an unspoken social contract between the Athenian government and its citizens. He trusts that governments are founded to respect and provide for its citizens, who are then expected to return respect. But why am I reciting the words of some old crazy Greek philosopher? Well, because he’s right. A government is founded to provide its citizens with nothing but the best in both respect and opportunity. But now, it’s all up in the air. President elect Trump claims he will aim to “Make America Great Again,” but how will we when we’ve never been great? His proposed regulations and speeches are aimed for the highest wealth classes: billionaires and businessmen. How does he expect loyalty from America when he only acknowledges the social class he is “in”? Those in power must understand that loyalty is a two way street.
But what about us? Where do we, the people of the United States of America, come into the equation? That’s the thing, we’re supposed to be a part of every equation at any given moment. We can have a say in almost every branch of government. Many Americans know they have certain unalienable rights, but they rarely ever use their most powerful right: freedom of speech. The monochrome ambitions of society aren’t justifiable. Everyone’s quiet when others are being harmed, and when they decide to finally speak out, it’s because they’re directly wrongly affected. This is shitty, yes, but if we actually want to do something, we can’t keep blaming others for their insensitivity. We have to address why this all is happening in the first place: lack of education.
Our founding fathers had one thing right, some people are too uneducated to vote. While I’m insanely grateful and proud of where we’ve gotten in terms of voting rights, I don’t preach for increasing voter turnout, I preach for educated voters.
Thousands of Americans view the government as a self-operating machine. They put blind faith into a red or blue campaign and hope to get exactly what they want out of it. We can’t regret our decision in the Presidential elections if we had done our research. I know I don’t regret my votes. I opened an online preview of the Illinois ballot and went through every single candidate's names. From presidential candidates to those running for circuit courts of Chicago. I went in as an educated voter, and I understand the consequences that this election will cause in the future.
There’s a fear in my being for what the future may bring. But I know one thing: Americans are fucking stubborn.
There are four terrifyingly long years ahead of us in which we can’t change one main thing, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop fighting. As long as there is still hope in humanity, the United States of America will recover. With the way things are looking, I realized I have to accept the election results. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I support the President Elect– I never have and I never will– but with a republican dominated government, I can only hope humanity will prevail. I can only pray that representatives –from both parties– do what they’ve committed themselves to: representing their people. I put my faith in humans who are hopefully empathetic and human enough to care about billions of people they’re set to represent instead of an egotistical mortal higher power. I pray they’re determined to do what’s right.
I don’t know when, and I certainly do not know we will reach “one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all” (The Pledge of Allegiance). But if I know anything about Americans, it’s that we don’t know when to shut up. We will make our voices heard and our fears acknowledged.
So keep that wrath in your souls lit, hold it near and dear, understand why and who it is you’re fighting for, then use it to fight for humanity.
While we may have lost the battle, the war is still raging. We will come back and grow from this.
So keep that wrath in your souls lit, hold it near and dear, understand why and who it is you’re fighting for, then use it to fight for humanity.
While we may have lost the battle, the war is still raging. We will come back and grow from this.
So for now: stay active, stay political, stay proud, and stay loud.
|
