Surviving The Next Four Years | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Surviving The Next Four Years

A few thoughts on our new President-Elect.

8
Surviving The Next Four Years
CNN

This past election cycle was particularly difficult for me as a moderate.

One would call me a conservative democrat, or even a liberal independent. There are Economic policies I agree with the Republican Party on, and Social/Human Rights policies I agree with the Democratic party on. However, I can understand and respect your opinions if you have valid reasons for holding them. But one thing I CANNOT abide by is hatred, fear, and discrimination.

What I consistently hear across the board is that people are AFRAID. I didn't always agree with Barack Obama, but I was never afraid of him. I was never afraid for my friends and loved ones. When we have a President, who, regardless of political affiliation, inspires hate groups, rouses anger, and divides people by race, sexuality, and/or gender, there is something deeply wrong with our political system.

I will continue to respect your opinions whether you are pro-Trump or not, as I would expect anyone else to do the same for me. I too believe we need to fix our immigration policy and create new and better jobs - but not at the cost of basic human rights.

It is with a heavy heart that I do not know where I stand in President Elect Donald Trump's United States of America, as many of us do not know. I am a woman. I am a member of the LGBTQ community. I am disabled. I am also, however, white. I am also thin. I am also middle class.

I recognize the privileges and disadvantages I was assigned that neither I, nor anyone else, had control over. I believe we should all take a look at who we are and where we come from. We should pay attention to where our friends, family, and neighbors come from and the struggles they face on a daily basis. Over the next four years, I plan to use the privileges I was afforded to advocate for those who were not given them. Just as I hope those who are in a more privileged position than I, will do the same for me. It's a dangerous, cruel world out there. But it is also a kind, generous, caring world.

Protect, love, and respect one another as we have no idea what to expect these next four years.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

11536
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5192
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3844
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3390
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments