Today is a sad day for me, but I respond with hope. I
respond with a vigorous fight and resolve to stay optimistic and bring about an
election day when I don’t have to protest – when I can select a candidate that
represents freedom, virtue, integrity, compassion, and the true majority of the
American people.
The American experiment is ongoing. It is supposed to be a
country comprised of voices that speak in different tongues - The melting pot
of the world whose very identity is defined by diversity. As a citizen, I take
part in this experiment and change whatever variables I can for the sake of
progress.
Progress looks like candidates that are there to serve the
American people, not their own egos or careers.
Progress looks like an electoral process that fairly allows
the voice of every American to be heard; without difficulty, delay, or
gerrymandering.
Progress looks like a nation united against discrimination,
bigotry, dangerously vile rhetoric, and inequality.
Progress looks like leaders being held
accountable for their actions.
Progress looks like American principles applying to
everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or political status.
Progress looks like power in the informed vote, not in big
money.
Progress looks like character, integrity, and leadership
skills being necessary qualifications.
Progress looks like foreigners being welcomed, fear being
conquered, and love being prioritized.
Progress looks like a multi-party system, or at least a
two-party system that works and can be bipartisan.
Progress looks like an oppositional media that isn’t bought
or partisan and informs us without directing us. Re: http://observer.com/2016/11/this-election-has-disgraced-the-entire-profession-of-journalism/#.WBwVFw4csMg.facebook
Progress looks like us taking care of the freaking planet.
Progress looks like separation of church and state.
Progress looks like diversity being the solution, not the problem.
Progress looks like grass roots, vision, inspiration, hope,
and drive.
Progress looks like party chairs not getting fired, speeches
not being copied, media not being manipulated, debates not being garbage, votes
not being suppressed, parties not being inauthentic, money not buying influence,
and corruption not being rewarded.
Finally, progress looks like everyone voting and making
their voices heard, with future generations in mind.
This race should not be this close. The two major parties
have produced the two most disliked candidates in the history of presidential
races. Clearly, something is broken, and it’s our job to fix it – with our votes,
our voices, and our political participation.
Idealistic? Yes. Impossible? No.
I hope you voted, even if it was for a third party or a protest
vote like mine! The key is to speak up and say something. Be heard! Change is
implicit in democracy, and our beautiful imperfect union is in desperate need
of revolution.
“A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared
for a master, and deserves one.” – Alexander Hamilton
*Disclaimer:
The decision to
protest vote was a very difficult one for me (I only protested the presidential race). I hesitated as I was filling out
the ballot. However, it was made infinitely easier by the fact that I live in the
state of California, which overwhelmingly aligns with most of my political
views and supports Hillary Clinton. I must confess that if I still lived in
Florida, a battleground state, I would have most certainly not protested and
voted for Hillary Clinton to help prevent Donald Trump from winning. He is THAT
dangerous. I took advantage of the luxury afforded to me by my location to vote
my true conscience. That being said, if you live in a swing state and have struggled
with the same decision, I can imagine how difficult it must be, and how torn
you must feel. I want you to know that, either way, I honor the intention of
your vote, without judgment, and completely understand. You’re not alone.
