I didn’t sleep all night last Tuesday.  It was a combination of the election and not being treated fairly at work that day.  I tried to go to bed and forget about both but I kept coming back to my phone to check results.  Every time going deeper and deeper into a state of shock.  This can’t be true but I knew it was.  Especially when you see that much red and in states that were crucial.   But like it or not, most of America has spoken so it’s time to listen.  And if people don’t like the results, then we have to do things differently.  For starters – VOTE!   I heard of a Democrat man in Pennsylvania was asked if he was heading out to vote that day and he said he didn’t know.  He had to wash his car.

The first time this happened in 2016, I had the thought to move to France.  There was once someone running who was definitely not fit for office but the French did not vote this person in.  I can’t even remember all the details now because they never let that happen!  Sadly now this does not seem to be the case anymore. And moving to another country is not that simple.  There was also the issue of our pets. Bunny, our Cairn Terrier who had an anxiety disorder who would not do well in flight.  And let’s not forget our parrots who I know could never make it through the quarantine process.  They have never ever been boarded out and they stop eating whenever they are scared of anything.  They would be terrified.  They need to see us to feel safe.  And then of course, there is convincing my husband and we would both have to find work there.  He is more settled into his career than me.  So, with all these attachments, we stayed.  But I do dream of living in a place where I can trust the leadership.

Yes, I wanted to see a strong woman who shares my heritage take the office.  But I really think she had an unfair disadvantage of so little campaign time.  Also, I am sure that there are way too many people that didn’t want to see a woman as President.  Especially a woman of color.  And whenever there has been a bad economy, people rightfully so, want change.  

Climate change is important but putting food on the table takes priority.  What good is saving the planet if you can’t eat.  Basic needs have to be taken care of first and then comes everything else. 

We can’t fall into hatred and division now.  I don’t hate Donald Trump.  I just think there should be higher standards for the person who has the most important job in the United States.    We have to listen to the red because they were not happy and maybe if more effort was put in understanding, this would not have happened.

Kindness is ever crucial now.

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