Bias, perspectives, opinions, expectations and delusion are things we all humans’ possess, and this doesn’t exclude any human being in power (See how I said human? Yes, humans, not robots or AI or aliens or supernatural beings.) Observing how people have reacted to changes in the U.S. since Donald Trump’s inauguration, I feel there are three key issues worth addressing.
First… Being upset about who someone voted for isn’t fair. People vote based on promises that align with their needs, priorities, values or even their delusions. Sometimes, ignorance feels like bliss, allowing us to avoid facing reality (for instance, I still don’t know what Liberal, Conservative, Democratic or Republican mean—and I don’t want to know!). Now, imagine two random presidential candidates, A and B, and their campaign promises laid out in the table below.
| PRESIDENT A | PRESIDENT B |
| 20% Increase in income for anyone who makes less than the top 5% | Federal minimum wage increases to $25 an hour |
| 10% reduction in taxes for anyone who makes less than the top 10% | You will no longer have to figure out who does your taxes for you. The IRS sends you what you need to pay. |
| A limit on how many hairstyles color is allowed; blonde, red, brown and black | Freedom of self-expression, whether cosmetically or not. |
| K-12 students are required to wear school uniforms, but these uniforms are not provided for free. Additionally, sponsoring a child through high school is compulsory, yet comes with financial costs. | Tuition and fees for colleges and universities will see a 5% increase, while K-12 education remains entirely free, with no requirement for school uniforms. |
| Women have full autonomy over their bodies, with abortion and birth control remaining personal choices, free from government interference or control | Abortion, birth control, and LGBTQ marriage are all prohibited by law, removing the personal choices and freedoms associated with these aspects of life. |
| Corporal punishment for crimes which now includes CHEATING on one’s legally married spouse. | Severe censorship of contents deemed inappropriate by the government’s team for both adult and children. |
I’m guessing you’d choose the candidate who aligns with your values and priorities. If you voted for B and A ended up winning, you have no right to be mad at your neighbor or parents for voting for someone who, for example, mandated school uniforms for children or made cheating on a spouse a punishable offense. Instead, you could have a conversation and explain why you believe their choice was off track. However, throwing a fit or getting angry at their decision is unfair and comes across as ‘I’m entitled to whatever I want’ energy.
Second…Suppose you work for ICE and receive a presidential order to use all means necessary to round up and deport undocumented immigrants. Though you strongly oppose both the practice and the principle, you face two difficult choices:
- Disobey the order, sacrificing your job, financial stability and years of hard work to give millions of immigrants a chance at a better life. This means starting over with no guarantee of a comparable job, all while knowing someone else will likely carry out the order in your place.
- Follow the order, risking your reputation among those outside your workplace who may not understand your position. Acting against your values could lead to guilt and emotional strain that weighs heavily on your conscience over time.
While ICE have been known to be violently carrying out the deportation process, you need to understand they consist of those who are doing this reluctantly and some are also on board with the deportation process and its intention.
And Finally… Crying or feeling sad won’t change the decisions and policies Donald Trump has implemented in this country. From restrictions on non-binary individuals and mass deportations to rising egg prices and the end of birthright citizenship, these changes—whether blocked by federal judges or already in effect—are shaping the nation. As citizens, all we can do is watch as the CONSEQUENCES or BENEFITS unfold. Regardless of whether we voted for him or not, we all face the impact of his leadership. If his policies succeed in fulfilling his vision of “America reclaiming its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on earth,” it would benefit everyone. If not, future presidents may learn from his mistakes. The only way to keep going is to adapt and find strength in the face of what we can’t control.
