Years from now, the turmoil of the 2016 presidential election will likely be viewed with even more horror by future generations. I remain hopeful that the years ahead will shape a nation marked by inclusivity, diversity, and enlightenment. It’s hard to imagine history being gentle with Donald Trump’s candidacy; his legacy will likely stand as a stark reminder of challenges faced by modern democracy.
As our children grow older and learn about the actions and consequences of Trump’s campaign, they will undoubtedly turn to us—those who lived through that tumultuous election—seeking insight into our feelings and actions. They will want to know what we did in response to the divisive atmosphere that permeated the nation.
When Trump questioned the birthplace of the sitting president, did we see the underlying prejudice? When he mocked a disabled journalist, did we stand up for the differently-abled? When he suggested registering an entire religion, did we recognize the historical implications? His boastful remarks about sexual assault—did we call it out as a crime? When accusations of sexual assault from numerous women came to light, did we prioritize their voices over the 24-hour news cycle?
As we reflect, it’s important to consider how we responded to his repeated insults towards veterans and POWs. Did we demand respect for those who served? When he labeled immigrants in derogatory terms, did we publicly challenge his rhetoric? When hate groups rallied behind him, did we inquire into the reasons behind their support?
I envision our children asking us these questions, eager to understand where we stood during such a pivotal moment in history. They will want assurance that we took a stand against hatred and bigotry. The thought that they might discover we knew people who supported him—and that we didn’t speak out—gives me pause.
I believe our children will eventually grasp the reality of Trump’s campaign, feeling repulsed by the lies and hatred that fueled it. They will likely be saddened to learn that he had considerable backing from the Republican Party and disheartened to recognize the individuals in their own lives who supported him. When they ask if we were among those who stood by, I want to confidently say we did not support him and that we actively sought to oppose his influence.
So, what did we do to stop Trump? I want to tell them that we united as a nation, asserting that he was wrong. We cherished our existing greatness and instead of allowing his bigotry to define us, we embraced the diversity and kindness that truly make our country wonderful. We learned from the embarrassment of witnessing someone so unqualified come so close to the presidency, and we ensured it wouldn’t happen again. We showed up on election day, determined to safeguard our values.
This journey has been tumultuous, but it reinforces the importance of standing up for what is right. For those interested in understanding more about home insemination and related topics, sites like Intracervical Insemination offer valuable insights. Additionally, for authoritative information, consider visiting Make a Mom. For those navigating pregnancy and insemination, the CDC is an excellent resource found at CDC Pregnancy.
In summary, the legacy we leave for our children will be defined not just by what we witnessed but by how we responded. Our commitment to a more just and inclusive society will serve as a guiding light for future generations.