Still stunned, and now exhausted, from the past 24 hours. In 2016 it hit me in a different way—emotional devastation, deep disappointment, and anger. Deep disappointment because so many voted for a blatant anti-immigrant racist who called my people ‘criminals and rapists,’ and who threatened to do unspeakable harm towards us and our community. He followed through just as he said he would and caused unspeakable harms and violence towards so many immigrant families.
This time I feel some shock, but not the disappointment and grief. Grief and disappointment come from loss, but there’s not much more for me to lose in terms of expectations. It’s so sad to say, but it is true.
Our country elected a rapist, racist, misogynist, coup-leading, anti-democratic, compulsive lying, conspiracy theorist, malignant narcissist, convicted felon. These attributes are not even in dispute (apart from fringe, yet highly influential media echo chambers) and yet it wasn’t even close. Why?
One common theme emerges from exit polls: the economy.
The majority of Americans were willing to overlook the profound character flaws of Donald Trump, and the grave threat to democracy which he represents, because they think he will bring them more economic prosperity.
Scary, scary stuff. This is the well trodden road of dictators and authoritarian leaders across the globe today, and over the past century. It can lead to: “As long as he’s looking out for me, I won’t worry too much about indigenous communities, religious minorities, immigrants, the poor, lgbt people, or any other minority groups. They’re part of the problem after all. They’re not ‘real’ Americans.”
To be clear, I do not think that most people who voted for Trump feel this way. Sadly, some actually do—white nationalists have not been quiet in their support of Trump, and Trump has never disavowed them. With those caveats, I have no doubt that through this election the US has taken a monumental step down this path. And I suppose I am scared. I also hope with all my heart that I am wrong.
I recently shared a post about Jesus’ beatitudes as a prayer and moral filter for this election. It’s still my prayer. And when the time comes to act, it will still be my inspiration:
20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
“Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame youon account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven, for that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
24 “But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
25 “Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
“Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.
26 “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.
Luke 6: 20-26