Some people have criticized the thousands of people protesting the election of Donald Trump. He won, they say. Get over it. Those of us who were repulsed and appalled by the many, many examples of racism, xenophobia, homophobia, misogyny are not just going to get over it because Trump won the Electoral College (losing the popular vote).
At Trump rallies, his supporters yelled, “F*** those beaners!” “Hang that b****!” “F*** Islam!” I wish I could attach video of the behavior on display at his rallies to make my point more effectively. Trump never denounced this part of campaign. He made everyone who spouted this kind of hate feel welcome. His top campaign managers are associated with white nationalism.
Trump said that the system was rigged, and that he would not say that he would accept the outcome of the election if he lost. The same supporters who called for armed insurrection if he lost are now disturbed by peaceful protests.
If we just get “over it,” then we normalize and legitimize all of this behavior. We say that the next candidate for political office can use this kind of speech and tactics and there will be no consequences. The protesters are saying there are consequences and we will not forget and we will hold people accountable.
President-elect Trump must acknowledge that he tore apart the social fabric that holds a large, multi-ethnic democracy together. His supporters must acknowledge this and realize that the responsibility is on them and Trump to start the healing. In the meantime, I applaud everyone taking peacefully (only those who are peaceful) to the streets, and I urge them to take that energy in other directions. Join groups. Give money to causes. Volunteer. Make this a better America.
Jeanne Foy
Juneau