In a surprising turn of events, Donald Trump has become the president-elect. This political season has been filled with turmoil and has arguably produced two of the most disliked presidential candidates.
It’s a stark contrast to eight years ago when Barack Obama came on the scene with his message of “Yes, We Can!”
Neither candidate has been someone I was excited for and, while watching the results come in on Tuesday night, I wasn’t really rooting for anyone.
However, we will soon have a new president for the next four years who has been involved in controversy his entire journey.
To the losing side, I’m sure that this is pretty hard. I have seen pictures of people in tears over the results and wondering what is next. However, this is where we are at. This is who the majority of people voted for. The best option is to accept the results.
Donald Trump hasn’t commanded a lot of respect in his campaign journey. He has been mocked and criticized for many of the comments he has made. I have mocked many of things that he has said before as well.
However, I was raised to respect the position of authority no matter what I disagreed with. I think it’s important that we maintain that. Trump has been placed in a position of power. That alone needs to have some respect for the title he will hold.
Protesting the results and refusing to call him President Trump is not going to accomplish anything. It will only deepen the divide that America is already facing. No one is saying that you have to like him or agree with him, but at least recognize the position that he will be in.
Trump has been unpredictable at best and no one knows how he will run his presidency and if he will even take the actions that he has said he would. History has shown time and time again that oftentimes, politicians don’t make good on their promises.
It is important to note that, although it is good to respect the presidency and the person who holds it, we also live in a democracy. Americans have the opportunity to be the watchdogs of their government. I encourage people to keep an eye on the government and its actions.
In the meantime, whether you wanted Trump to be president or not, give him a chance to lead without giving him full power and reign. As Hillary Clinton said in her concession speech, “We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead.”
None of us know what the next four years are going to look like, but I do know that America is a strong and independent nation who is going through a deep divide in our culture.
Although this may be a result that many of us had not predicted, giving Trump a chance to lead might help bridge the gap that has been created.
Hopefully, Trump will not continue his rhetoric that will only further divide Americans.
It will be an interesting four years and, like it or not, we are along for the ride. It may not be an easy road, but I think we’ll make it through.
Laina Yost
Managing Editor