Say whatever you would like, and believe what you believe; it’s one of your basic rights. Lately, the legitimacy of basic human and American rights have come into question. As one of my rights, I’m voicing what I believe in. So, hear me out, and hear your peers out. The only way we will be able to find peace and truly understand one another is by listening carefully and accepting differences.

With the stream of political coverage that rules our TV’s, phones, newspapers and other mediums of communication, a small statement has been made by many: “He is not my president.” Do not underestimate this statement; it holds meaning and power.

Donald Trump may be the 45th president of the United States of America, but he is not my president; he does not define what an American is.

The values and qualities of a “true American,” are numerous and noteworthy. These qualities include someone who is willing to work hard and pick themselves up with positivity through hard times; not someone who cheats their way to “success.” A true American accepts and respects others regardless of their background, past, status, or beliefs; not someone who promotes negativity in their actions and words.

He is not my president because he wants to make it near to impossible for genuinely hardworking people to get the chance to experience how great America already is. People of all countries should feel excited to experience the United States, not scared because of discrimination.

He is not my commander in chief because he believes it’s okay to take away the very thing that has helped 20 million Americans keep going. He wants to take away healthcare for people who are struggling to make ends meet, many who have found themselves with diseases or health issues they can’t battle alone.

He does not represent me because my leader will not be someone who has not fulfilled their own obligations as an American citizen. While holding a position of great power, a president should be a dignified and respected citizen first.

My leader will not be someone who thinks that climate change is a hoax. I do not want a president who chooses to be a bystander as our environment is being neglected.

He is not my president because he does not represent all Americans. This country isn’t one race, religion, orientation, gender, or status of any kind; we are a melting pot. No one way of life is “right.” So, I proudly refuse to be represented by an individual who refuses to be a leader and a role model for everyone.

I refuse to be represented by someone who believes that I am worth less than my male counterparts because I am a woman. In addition, he thinks that both himself and the government should have control over my body and my choices.

Donald Trump, the next four years are going to be a rollercoaster; I can feel it in my bones. I won’t stand by your decisions and beliefs, but I will be a productive and kind citizen. I will do my part, and I will help make change because someone has to-- and that someone, is the American people. You may be president of the United States, and you may be in future history textbooks, but you will never be a leader, or even citizen, that I will ever be proud of.