Dear America,

Yesterday was the day. They day we decide who would lead this country for the next 4 and possibly 8 years. And all I really have to say after the results early this morning, is that I am ashamed. Not only ashamed, but also disgusted, fearful, and let down. I'm ashamed to think that so many people have chosen a man who is openly racist and sexist. I am disgusted that we chose a man who has MULTIPLE accusations of sexual assault and despite denying it, there are clear details and the women gain nothing but hatred from others by going public with these accusations. I am fearful for the future when our president and so many people of this country openly discriminate and partake in the crimes against people of different religions, race, gender, sexuality. I am let down because I actually thought we have gotten to a place where people should be able to express themselves and be who they are without the fear of being hurt or possibly killed. I am let down by the fact that our new vice president thinks that electrocution can turn gay people straight and that women who have miscarriages should be punished. I am let down that instead of working on putting our differences aside, we have divided our nation.

I am only 19 years old so I have only lived through five elections and I am only old enough to remember two of them, but I don't recall so much hatred to have ever been so present. I remember the 2008 election when Obama was first elected into office. So many people were overjoyed that we have finally gotten to a time where an African American man had the opportunity to run this country (and run it well). And although there were people who were disappointed that McCain didn't win, I don't think I recall people crying because they were worried about their future and the future of this country. The fact that people sat in their homes last night in tears because they are so petrified about what might happen to them or their families shows me that this country is in a terrible place.

Now America, I don't want to be all negative and spend the next 4-8 years in anger and disappointment. At this point, there is nothing I or anyone can really do. What's done is done. So instead of crying about the possible doom that will come over us, I will try and think about the good things that might happen. Maybe Trump won't be terrible. This is a very bold statement to make but I am trying to make the best out of the situation. I am trying to hope that maybe there might be a chance that Trump does some good and this country doesn’t burst into flames. That sliver of hope is going to be the only thing that gets me through these next 4 years but it's better than nothing. So, instead of sitting around and moping about the fact that Trump is our next president, try to think about the possible good things that might come from it. It's a stretch I know. Trump being president is probably not going to be the best thing to happen to this country, but instead of dividing ourselves based on differences, we need to unite as a country if we want some real change to happen.

America, I hope everything works out and you are not a ball of fire in four years.

Sincerely,

A girl looking for a little hope