Journey Forward

November 9, 2016

Today I had the privilege, once again, to teach junior high students about the Presidential Election. Since beginning my teaching career in 1985, I have had the opportunity to teach the day after the election nine times!  It is a thrill to do so, even if the candidate I was supporting did not win the election.  My principal was also conducting my formal evaluation during the class, so I was very prepared, but not rehearsed. The students had interesting questions and were enthused about what happens next.  In all, the students were excited, and for most, their choice of candidate did not win last night.

This election has seemed more heated and more contentious than previous elections, but maybe not.  Sarah Palin wasn't given any break, and the election of 2012 wasn't kind either.  However, with social media and the distinct differences in the two candidates, it appeared to me that this election did not bring out the best in the average man, or woman.

It appears that the election results are mostly tabulated and Mr. Trump will be our next President.  Mrs. Clinton spoke today of her disappointment and the importance of letting Mr. Trump lead this country.  President Obama has extended an invitation to the White House.  It seems to me that the big players in this election are behaving fairly well.

There is great disappointment for many Americans, and I can certainly understand and empathize.  We are a passionate people when it comes to our political views, and it is natural that we take the defeat of our candidate personally.  There have been several elections in which I was terribly disheartened over the end results. But, we power on and face the day!

Regardless who was to become the next President, there was to be great disappointment and an abundance of disbelief.  Yet, we all get up the next day and head off to work, or what else was planned for us to do today.  I am amazed at the total despair I am hearing and reading from friends and acquaintances.  Why must we always assume the worst.  Where did our patriotic spirit go?  My preferred candidate dropped out of the race back in early summer, but I continued to watch, read, listen, and ponder about the other candidates, making up my mind yesterday, in the poll, as to who I would support.

I do not believe we need a high  concrete wall along our southern border, but I do not believe our new President is out to get all Hispanic immigrants. I am very concerned about terrorism coming to our shores, as it did on 9/11, but I do not believe there is a plan to rid the country of all Muslims.  I am a woman, obviously, but I am not frightened of what the new President might inflict on my rights as a citizen just because I am a female.  (Mr. Clinton and Mr. Kennedy are not men I would use as examples of respecting all women.)

Why are we, the disappointed citizens, so sure this result is disastrous? He hasn't taken office yet.  And to be fair, if Mrs. Clinton had been elected, this mayhem of bitterness would have probably been no different, the tone would have been the same.

It is now time to get on board and look to our leadership.  If our elected officials do not keep their word, do not follow the law as determined by the U.S. Constitution, and do not serve us to the best of their ability, then by all means, we have the right to hold those officials accountable.

I awoke this morning thinking, "at least this election is over, and we can move forward."  I don't see many people willing to do that.  It is time to journey forward and rely on that American determination that has served this country well for nearly 250 years.