Letter to the Editor

In the days following the election I have witnessed some disappointing behaviors. It is perfectly acceptable to be disappointed if the candidate you support did not win. What is not acceptable is the way many people are showing their disapproval. Over the past few days I have had encounters that, frankly, have made me quite disappointed in my fellow U.S. citizens. Here are just a few examples: “Booking the first ticket I can find out of this country,” “I’m moving to Canada, see y’all in four years,” and “Well, looks like the Mayans were right after all.” Instead of degrading our leader and complaining about what the next four years may bring, why don’t we all look at it from a new perspective.

I don’t care if you are Republican, Democrat, black, white, gay or straight, a single person can not simply change the country in four or even eight years. Of course, adjustments will be made and new things will be implemented; however, not everyone will be happy with these changes. This is why we have the right to vote, why we have a Senate, a House and so forth, so that many voices can be heard.

While voting may be about electing leaders that hold your values and beliefs, it is also about our freedoms. When we vote, no matter the outcome, let us relish the opportunity to do so. When we share our opinions, let it be in a respectful and appreciative manner, because unlike ourselves many are tortured and killed for expressing their beliefs.

Secondly, change does not happen in a day, month, year or even many years. Life happens, situations arise, plans need to be reworked. A single variable or person is not the cause of a problem. Instead of pointing the finger at the president, perhaps we should take a look at ourselves.

It seems that when we do not get our way we immediately put our foot down and refuse to move forward. How do we as a country expect to get anywhere when half of us are stuck in one place while the other half is trying to progress? If we can’t appreciate, support and listen to our fellow Americans, how do we expect a single individual to do it alone with a country of more than 300 million people?

Emma Mittag Arboe,

Austin