I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that the people of the United States let you down. They let me down, too.
I want you—yes, you—the Muslim, the Hispanic, the African American, the LGBTQ person, the woman—to know that I stand with you.
America let us down, and you may have lost faith in your people, for now. You never thought Donald Trump, the man who represents hate with every fiber of his being, would be elected our 45th President of the United States. I know, because I never thought it would happen, either.
I want you to know that I represented you from the beginning of this campaign, and it is my democratic duty to keep on doing so. I want you to know that I dedicate my life values and political values to speaking for those who do not have a voice. I want you to know that despite the utter hate, racism, sexism and xenophobic tendencies this man has brought out in the American people, I—and millions of others—love you.
I am a white woman. Some may even call me "privileged."
I was born here. My parents were born here. I went to public school and my parents sent me to college. My family is inherently Catholic, and I never once considered voting for Trump.
My best friend and her family are Muslim. I, myself, am considered a minority because I am a female. My brother is disabled. I have many disabled family members. I am a victim of sexual assault. Donald Trump is a nightmare to this country, and a nightmare to everyone who is any other color but white. He is a disgrace to what we stand for.
His campaign was first considered a joke, and now, the nightmare is all too real. I am terrified. I am terrified for your safety and for your life. I am terrified for the future of our country. I want nothing more than to change the outcome of this election, but reality is starting to settle in, and I am coming to terms with the fact that our world, as we know, it is about to change.
To you, I say this:
Keep fighting. The democratic party represents people of diversity coming together as one. We are a people of love, equality and peace. As defeated as we feel, we must brush ourselves off and get right back up. The next four years currently stand unpredictable, and we must do everything in our power to make sure we remain a country united. Fight hate with love.
I am your friend. Sit next to me on the train. Make conversation with me. If you ever find yourself a victim of a hate crime or harassment of any kind, I will be your safety net. I will be your voice. I may be a complete stranger, but I will drop everything to make sure you are safe, protected and loved.
Do not be afraid. I know how cruel and scary of a time this is. You may be afraid to wear your Hijab in public, or hold hands with your loved one. Do not let the fear of circulating hate crimes prevent you from remaining who you are. Wear the Hijab. Kiss your significant other. We may be under the power of a white supremacist, but I am positive there is more love and light in good people than there is animosity.
As heartbreaking as these election results are, we have to sit back and realize something beautiful is happening—look at all the peaceful protests erupting throughout the country. Look at every stranger who is choosing to stand up for the people who are still considered unequal. Look at all the people coming together as one to show who America is and exactly what we really represent—love and unity.
I stand with you, I will be your voice, and I will never stop fighting for you.
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will know peace." — Jimi Hendrix
