For many people across the country, the words, “President Trump” or “republican” have left people with chills down their spine and fear in their hearts. Some of the things Donald Trump has said and done I have found insulting and insane. How could you not? But at the same time, there is a very far left side and a very far right side and a lot in between. Articles are being shared on Facebook on how there have been racist and sexist attacks since he was elected and how Hillary supporters are burning the flag and rioting. We cannot continue to assume that people are one extreme or the other, as there are both good and bad people on both sides. Despite voting republican, my family never fell into the category of conservative or liberal. I was raised to treat everyone how I wished to be treated, to help those in need every chance I got, and to work hard for what I want. I grew up in a very middle class household. We didn’t have much more than we needed, but my father still has left $100 tips on $30 orders when we had the chance to go out to eat. I’m writing this article to make it clear that we are not who we vote for, we are not our “side’s” extremists and our values and how we treat each other will always be more important than our vote.
After the election results, I was hesitant to go to my Wednesday and Thursday classes. I have been very private about my republican vote since the beginning of the election season for fear of being judged by my classmates and professors who have been very vocal about their opinions against Donald Trump (one of my professors had Trump with an X through it carved into her hair). I was fine with that. It’s great to have opinions, until they turn into insults and assumptions. Considering this was the first election I was allowed to vote in, I did a great amount of research on both candidates and realized that my vote would unfortunately go to who I believed was the lesser of two evils. I left two of my classes in tears after hearing the things that were said about the people who voted for Trump. All day I heard comments such as “If you voted for Trump, literally go kill yourself”, “A vote for Trump was a vote for the KKK”, “I thought we were smarter than that”, “If you voted for Trump, you’re a racist, homophobic, sexist asshole,” etc. I am none of those things. I know that. My actions prove that. But it was devastating to hear. I’m not sure if this is true, I hope not, but I have heard that some professors cancelled classes specifically for students to go protest. After seeing videos of Temple students burning the flag, I was heartbroken as many of my family members have dedicated and are dedicating a majority of their lives to this country by serving in various branches of the military. I chose to not voice my opinion throughout all of this, or give my reasons for voting the way that I did because I have always been a very shy person, so speaking out on anything has always been difficult for me. Also, after hearing the conversations in my classes, I felt that people weren’t open to any other opinions just yet.
On many issues, I disagreed with Trump. I absolutely do not believe in defunding Planned Parenthood or birth control. I do believe you should be able to get married to whoever you want, wherever you want, at anytime you want. I believe global warming is a tremendous issue. I didn’t even believe in his slogan, because America was never really great for ALL citizens. I also believe in equal opportunities for all races and a much easier, safer system for immigrants.
However, I have other views as well, and this is what caused me to vote the way that I did. I believe that welfare and food stamps should be available to the people who that need it. Right now, that system is flawed. I have seen firsthand how people who do not need welfare are receiving it while others who desperately need it are not. I don’t think there should be gun control laws. I believe there could have been a much better approach to healthcare than “Obamacare” and I believe that the Clinton Foundation has ultimately failed.
Another one of my opinions is that a Clinton victory would not be a win for women. And a Trump victory is not a win for women. I believe both candidates have proven to me that they were never for women, despite what they have said. Between Trump’s NBC tapes (we all know what they said) and Hillary’s tapes of her as a lawyer defending a child molester she knew was guilty , I didn’t believe in either of them. Her tape is from the late 80s, but that does not mean it is dismissed. Donald Trump has also been accused various times by women claiming to be sexually assaulted by him, which I do not doubt for a second. However, Bill Clinton has been accused of the same thing, and Hillary continues to stand with him. Out of the two recordings, I did find Hillary’s to be a little more disturbing, maybe because it was from a woman, a woman claiming to be for women and children.
Another big concern for me was her role in Benghazi. Coming from a military family, disappointed was an understatement for my reaction to the lack of respect that came from our government during this time. Hillary has since been proven innocent, but after hearing her statements during the hearing and interviews afterwards, to me this was not someone who deserved to be our first female president, no matter how many government jobs she has had before this. After listening to Donald Trump’s speeches, I felt this was an issue he sincerely cared about. I did not get that feeling from Hillary.
If you still think I am a “disgusting” human being and decide to give me filthy looks in the hallways, I’m okay with that. I know who I am and it is not what I have been labeled. My actions show that and will continue to show that. All I ask is that you don’t assume. Don’t assume a person who voted for Trump is a stupid, racist, sexist bigot. Don’t assume Hillary supporters are brainwashed college-aged liberals on welfare, because way more often than not, this is not the case. DO support the country you live in and have high hopes for the future. Stand united, not united against, because love does trump hate and Hillary was right about one thing: we are stronger together.