Which American are you? It has been 11 days since we all voted in the most historic election of our lifetime. More people voted on November 3rd, 2020 than ever before. 72,770,766 voted for the current white house resident. 78,142,360 voted for his opponent, Joe Biden. America has spoken and spoken loudly!
What has been troubling since November 3rd is the countless, baseless claims of voter fraud. One side feels that the other side is stealing the election with “illegal” and “fraudulent” votes. Votes that were cast through mail in ballots or absentee ballots. Statistically those votes overwhelming favor the Democratic Party while same day voting favors the Republicans so I can see why the Republicans were scared.
Millions of individuals played it safe. We mailed in or dropped off our ballots this year. There is a uncontrolled pandemic out there whereas of this morning, there are 10.8 million cases and 245,555 deaths. An alarming trend of increased cases has been happening over the past few days. This is not unexpected if you have been paying attention all along. We were told it would get worse before it gets better and that the fall would show an increase. We want to live and see democracy realign while the average supporter on the other side does not believe the pandemic is real and chooses to ignore what is happening right in front of their faces.
There is so much to unpack that I hardly know which direction to bring this in. Which American are you? Let’s talk about the American people who are constantly being referred to in the news media depending on the news source you are watching. Are you the American people who have spoken and decided that the current president is our savior and has had the election stolen from him and he should continue to fight for what is his? These American people, 72 million of them, have made their choice and decided that money is the greatest motivator. Money, power, racism, xenophobia, disrespect of our military, disrespect, and assault (proven) of women and the list goes on. This is what 72 million people said they wanted. Over 60% do not have access to 401(k) plans and the stock market so I suspect some of his other fine qualities appealed to them.
The “other” American people, the 78 million, the ones who stood in line for 8 hours or more to vote, or had to drive 3-4 hours to a polling station because the number of polling stations were reduced in their area, or had ballot boxes removed, are they not American? I mean, these are overwhelming Black and Brown individuals who are once again being targeted and told their voices don’t matter. Their votes don’t count. It is voter suppression at its best. All because they did what was best for themselves and their families by staying home during a raging pandemic to protect those whom they love around them. The virus disproportionally affects the Black and Brown communities as well in areas of poor health (diabetes/high blood pressure/obesity), inability to socially distant, limited health care and economic failure.
The hope for the future that will ease the anxiety of today is that the new administration will look at ALL the AMERICANS that voted and find a common thread to weave this country back together. It is not going to be easy and it is not going to happen overnight. It will take time, perhaps decades to undo the DIVIDE of what is the UNITED STATES of America. I’m willing to do my share.
We begin by humbly accepting defeat. We also graciously accept the “win”. A win for one is not a win if it does not benefit all. It may feel good to give someone back what they gave you what 4 years ago when your candidate lost but we will never heal if we don’t take a small step towards each other. Ask yourself, which American am I? The answer should be, the same as you!
Let’s start talking and getting rid of those elephants!
Have a blessed day!
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One reply on “Which American Are You?”
Which American am I indeed? The same as you. Our work is just beginning and it’s going to be arduous. I’m rolling up my sleeves abs am committed to doing what it takes to really make this America GREAT!