How do we handle the elections results from November 5th 2024*

If someone were to ask you how you can dislike or sever ties with people simply because they voted for a Republican, including Trump, how would you respond? I was also asked about my views on the border, so here is my perspective.

I've been reflecting deeply on a question that weighs heavily on my mind and that of my friends, family, coworkers, and colleagues. We are not only disappointed by the election outcome but also genuinely shocked. The results reveal a troubling prioritization of money over human rights, as the nation chose to elect a misogynistic, racist, sex-offending felon instead of a woman, particularly a woman of color. Despite widespread concerns regarding Biden's age, his opponent was no younger. Many believe that Kamala Harris was better equipped to unite us—a sentiment we often encounter—but they voted for him nonetheless. As of January 20, 2025, Trump will assume office as the oldest person in history. The hypocrisy is striking.

This outcome highlights the lengths to which the far-right will go to advance their radical Project 2025 agenda, which threatens to dismantle numerous protections. The rights that women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community have fought so hard to secure are now at risk with the incoming administration. Whatever they could not achieve previously, they seem more emboldened—and determined—to push through their agenda this time. Many have sacrificed their lives for these rights and this country, and it feels like all of that could be jeopardized due to his leadership. Additionally, his vice presidential choice, JD Vance, may be equally, if not more, dangerous.

Reflecting on Trump's previous presidency, he was impeached and is now a felon. He encouraged an insurrection against the government that resulted in injuries and deaths among law enforcement. He refers to himself as a wannabe dictator and openly boasts about his alliances with Russia and China. He is anti-LGBTQ, anti-feminist, and anti-Black Lives Matter. His supporters deny the existence and rights of many individuals and actively work to take away those rights. Furthermore, Trump is known for being a habitual liar.

Issues on the Republican agenda, such as Project 2025 and Agenda 47, are deeply concerning. Climate change denial is another significant issue, as well as policies that promote mass deportation and the inhumane treatment of children at the border. People who seek a better life often take jobs that no one else wants or is willing to do. This is basic economics, history, and political science, but unfortunately, many people do not seem to understand it, and it shows.

According to their party, which is rooted in Christian nationalism, numerous controversial actions are being proposed. These include banning abortion, in vitro fertilization (IVF), contraception, and recreational sex, which they argue perverts the Christian faith and undermines democracy. There are also efforts to ban books, impose the Ten Commandments in schools, and defund public education to finance private education.

Despite Donald Trump not being particularly religious, the primary motivation behind these actions appears to be the quest for power. This movement has been referred to as the "Christian Taliban," advocating for teaching the Bible in history classes as fact and promoting religious extremism. Project 2025 is already underway in several red states.

Agenda 47 outlines several key policies, including eliminating welfare benefits for undocumented immigrants and transforming higher education through reallocating substantial endowments from private universities to a newly established institution called the American Academy. The agenda encourages homeschooling and advocates for the domestic production of essential medications to address pharmaceutical shortages. Additionally, it supports the implementation of the death penalty for human traffickers. 

The initiative also aims to revitalize the auto industry by reversing job-destroying policies, restoring a diminished military, and safeguarding students from radical leftist ideologies that may undermine their educational opportunities. Furthermore, it seeks to tackle drug addiction in America, eliminate automatic citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, and abolish left-wing gender ideologies. While these proposals may resonate positively with some, others might view them as harsh and unfounded. I find these policies excessively severe, but they are rooted in falsehoods and promises that are unlikely to materialize.

One individual shared their struggle with maintaining friendships with those who support candidates threatening their rights and the rights of many others. While it's possible to remain friends without discussing politics, the underlying frustration persists. Some responses noted that engaging with people who overlook genuine threats to human rights for their benefit and cling to misguided beliefs feels futile. They questioned how such friendships truly enhance their lives, comparing it to keeping a cancerous mole out of emotional attachment; ultimately, it might be more beneficial to sever ties and be honest about why.

One person clarified that they would not tolerate anyone in their circle—friends or family—who supports Trump. They decided to cut off communication with all their family members, citing their irrational commitment to unfounded religious beliefs, and they haven't looked back since. Once these individuals—whether family or friends—are out of your life, you can see how little value they bring. People like this often fail to recognize or appreciate the love we offer. This situation harms everyone involved and should not be upheld simply because of family ties.

One perspective suggests that family consists of those you choose to love—individuals who provide reciprocal affection and steadfast support. While relatives are those with whom you share a genetic connection, the essence of familial ties is not solely rooted in biology. You have the autonomy to decide who your family is. The bonds with a chosen family can be as meaningful as those with biological relatives. If family members cannot refrain from discussing their support for Trump, it might be best to walk away.

One individual noted they can tolerate their family's presence during the holidays, provided political topics remain off-limits. However, they believe many may ultimately regret their support for Trump. It has been proposed that maintaining friendships with individuals holding opposing views on issues such as government spending or universal healthcare is possible. Engaging in constructive debates can significantly enhance our understanding of contrasting perspectives. Nonetheless, forming a friendship with someone who supports a president characterized by inconsistency, divisiveness, and troubling behavior is unacceptable. While differing opinions are expected, discussions surrounding human rights should never be subject to negotiation.

It is particularly concerning when individuals vote against human rights for financial benefit, such as seeking a tax break. Many people find themselves unsafe, and their political alignment often reflects a willful ignorance. Such individuals appear self-serving and greedy, frequently at the expense of marginalized groups, which raises immediate red flags when considering who to allow into your personal life. While these individuals may be seen as acquaintances, they should not be deemed friends.

It transcends mere politics; it fundamentally relates to one's core values. When individuals express their true selves, taking them at their word is essential. Aligning oneself with those who promote racist ideologies or who attempt to undermine the rights of women and minorities—particularly by referencing Hitler—raises serious concerns. Actions such as efforts to ban abortion, resistance to mask mandates, and opposition to vaccines highlight broader societal issues. 

While not all supporters of Trump can be classified as racist, it is essential to acknowledge that a significant number of racists do support him. The party increasingly reflects a landscape characterized by extremism and conspiracy theories. At this point, the issue fundamentally relates to morals and ethics—specifically, the importance of doing what is right. If individuals are unable to act justly concerning problems of discrimination and sexual assault, then they do not align with my values. I find it increasingly difficult to respect them as our values diverge. It seems to me that they may prioritize financial gain, hold racist beliefs, or perhaps both—and neither of these is acceptable in the context of human rights.

It is also worth noting that Trump and his Maga-Republican supporters seem indifferent to the very people who are deeply devoted to him. This situation angers me on their behalf. Many of these individuals, often from poor or low socioeconomic backgrounds in rural areas, contribute financially to his campaign, don his merchandise, and exhibit a cult-like loyalty that he has cultivated. 

He is unlikely to fulfill his promises regarding their concerns, such as preserving social security, healthcare, jobs, and manufacturing—much less protection for Israel and their pro-life stance. If we find ourselves in a war, our children will bear the brunt of it. His priorities lie with his ego, financial interests, and the welfare of his wealthy family and friends. 

What he truly seeks is to reclaim his position, ensure reelection, and wield the influence of the White House—a clear manifestation of his inherent narcissism. His supporters may believe that he genuinely cares for them, yet he exhibits little concern for their interests beneath the surface. It's disheartening that many remain blind to this reality, particularly in light of his actions during his initial term in office. 

His self-centeredness is glaring, and I can't help but feel embarrassed for those who remain unaware. He has skillfully exploited the disenfranchised and uneducated—clearly reflected in the voting demographics—to further his agenda, likely leaving them to fend for themselves once he achieves his objectives. They fail to recognize this reality, and it's evident he meticulously chose to appeal to their vulnerabilities, deliberately distancing himself from Democrats, knowing he could never garner their support. After years as a Democrat, he switched to the Republican Party to position himself strategically for his 2015 campaign, a calculated move essential for maintaining this facade.

The immigration issue is complex for several reasons. Firstly, it's essential to recognize that this country originally belonged to Native Americans, and we are all either immigrants or descendants of immigrants. Many of us would not be here if this nation had not served as a refuge for those escaping religious persecution and political violence, among other challenges.

While some form of border security is essential, there are better solutions than closing our borders and separating families. We should not deny Dreamers the opportunity to stay or shut down sanctuary schools for international students. We have a robust vetting process, which many people do not fully understand or take the time to explore. If they did, they might hesitate before making quick judgments. This lack of understanding is a crucial reason why misconceptions persist, and such ignorance can jeopardize our country's future and progress, especially regarding immigration issues.

Another aspect to consider is the reality of job availability. Often, immigrants are compelled to take jobs that many Americans overlook. These individuals can be highly educated—like doctors—but they may arrive here and end up in low-paying jobs, like janitorial positions that pay minimum wage, simply because those jobs offer a better life for them and their families than they are fleeing from. Some conservatives are reluctant to share their neighborhoods and streets, prompting demands for stricter border controls. They claim that immigrants are taking their jobs or contributing to crime, even though statistics show that more violent crime is committed by individuals with mental health issues who have access to harmful objects. Instead of examining these underlying issues, some choose to blame immigrants and refugees.

According to a Pew Research Center poll, many individuals perceive an increase in crime, even though crime rates have been declining since 1991, mainly in violent crime. Data from the FBI reveals that violent crime decreased by 49% between 1993 and 2022. Notably, Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents are significantly more likely than Democrats to prioritize crime reduction. Young people, males, and Black individuals make up a substantial portion of those involved in violent crime incidents. A study conducted at Northwestern University found that, over the past 150 years, immigrants have not been incarcerated at a higher rate than those born in the United States. Although Trump has leveraged the assumption that immigrants contribute to crime, findings indicate that immigrants have consistently been less likely to be incarcerated than their US-born counterparts. By the early 1960s, the incarceration gap had widened, showing that immigrants were 60% less likely to be incarcerated than individuals born in the US.

If you have any other questions, I will conduct the necessary research and provide you with the most sincere and straightforward answer. You may disagree with my views, but I believe in being honest about my feelings, especially considering how many were taken aback by the events of November 5, 2024. The distinction between us and others lies in our willingness to accept these results, as true American patriots do, rather than clinging to power that rightfully does not belong to them, which only undermines democracy and jeopardizes the future of our country.