I’m sitting on my couch, heart pounding but trying to remain calm. Today is Election Day for our next President and what a freakin mess we have in our hands in America!   

The race was expected to be close but not like this. I was on my way home from a long walk on this beautiful late Fall 70-degree day and planned to flip the TV on to watch the election results unfold. 

 As I was almost home my son sent a text that said “Donald Trump is likely to be our next President. Shall we move to Mexico?” My heart sank and I couldn’t get home quick enough.

How did we get here? I have no clear explanation. When the map of the US is shown in blue and red, the majority of states are red/republican. Yet both candidates are not too far apart as only 5 states remain unspoken for. The picture says so much. But what is it saying? 

Every person interviewed as to why they voted for Trump didn’t have a good reason. It seemed as though it was more they didn’t want Hillary. They didn’t want a woman. They didn’t want a democracy. It didn’t matter how unqualified he is or how many horrible things he has said. So if he becomes President, what or who can oppose his ideas and his bullying. 

Being retired I have a good chunk of my income in an IRA investment. The market has plummeted tonight, maybe life won’t be comfortable in the future. I find it difficult to feel any optimism right now, but I will have to wait and see like the rest of sane Americans. 

The Day After…

It is now the “morning after”. How did we get here? I still can’t believe Americans voted the way they did. To be honest, with 92% of the votes counted, Hillary has the popular vote. Maybe there does need to be voter reform. This is the second time in recent history the popular vote has not counted.  

Most people I know did not vote for Trump, but I do know a few. Now we have to live at least four years under his rule and I do believe he will try to “rule” like other dictators in countries around the world. 
I have no idea if he is really as rude as he has appeared in every debate and public appearance. Words and more words. Encouraging violence and hatred. Just what our country needs. 

I have been reading Facebook posts and so far an article from NYMag.com is my favorite. Titled “The Repulic Repeals Itself” where a quote from George Washington is summarized as follows:

“A country designed to resist tyranny has now embraced it. A constitution designed to prevent democracy taking over everything has now succumbed to it. A country once defined by self-government has openly, clearly, enthusiastically delivered its fate into the hands of one man to do as he sees fit. After 240 years, an idea that once inspired the world has finally repealed itself. We the people did it.”

I don’t know what this means for America. I only hope we won’t undo so many of the good things America stands for. There is always room for improvement and maybe we will be surprised. In the meantime, our elected officials and military generals need to read the Constitution and be prepared for anything and everything. God help us all…