Dear Dad,
I’ve spent a week thinking about how to approach this conversation, and I’m still uncertain if I can convey everything I feel. But here goes.
First and foremost, thank you. Thank you for holding back from contacting me as the election results unfolded. Thank you for not celebrating when the outcome became clear before bedtime. I appreciate that you took a moment to consider how to reach out rather than just react impulsively. Your message about the passing of local issue 44 was a breath of fresh air, even as you expressed hope for better leadership in the future. Thank you for striving to be mature and, more importantly, for just being my dad.
I recognize that navigating the transition into having grown children is challenging, especially when recent events have created such a divide. I see you, Dad, and I genuinely appreciate how you’ve managed your feelings about the election.
At the same time, I am utterly disheartened by your choice at the polls. As the father of two daughters—two intelligent, capable women who you taught to value themselves—how could you cast your vote for someone who believes he can assault women without repercussions due to his wealth and fame? Could it be that you align with a man who dismisses the worth of women who don’t meet conventional beauty standards? How could you support a candidate who has made abhorrent comments about women, including his own daughter?
Even more troubling is your support for Mike Pence, someone you know personally from Indiana, who has actively targeted the LGBTQ+ community, including your youngest child. How could you vote for a team that threatens the rights of your own daughter to marry the person she loves? How can you stand beside candidates who have incited hostility against people who are different, including your own child?
What does your vote signal about your concern for the safety and future of your two granddaughters? What kind of world will they be raised in, where fear and division are becoming normalized? What will they think about their freedom if they see Muslims being forced to register as if they are a threat? What kind of people will they become in a society where prejudice is no longer whispered but shouted, where bigotry is emboldened by political leaders?
This barely scratches the surface of my concerns. I fear for my safety, for my sister’s well-being, and for friends who belong to marginalized communities. I worry about those who have adopted children from abroad, facing deportation threats due to harsh immigration policies. I fear for hardworking educators struggling to make ends meet, potentially affected by policies that prioritize the wealthy.
I’m scared for all of us, Dad, and you should be too. You’ve elected a man who has openly expressed a love for conflict and believes violence is an acceptable solution. This is the man entrusted with nuclear power; the potential for global catastrophe is real. Even if we survive his presidency, his economic proposals threaten our livelihoods. While he may promise tax breaks, the reality is those benefits will favor the wealthy, leaving working-class individuals like you behind.
You chose a tax break over the safety of your children. I hope that brings you pride, though I sense you may feel justified in your decision. You often say you don’t vote on issues that affect others, and while that’s your right, it’s also a stance that comes at a significant cost to your family. It reflects a troubling disregard for the welfare of your children, particularly when those interests clash.
I believe you’ve let us down, and it’s hard to process. However, I know you can’t change your vote, but you can use your voice for positive change. You can advocate against legislation that threatens our rights and call out hateful rhetoric from those around you. If your party continues down a path of oppression, consider stepping away. Support candidates who reflect compassion and empathy, not hatred.
You have work to do to regain my respect. I realize my words may have hurt you or caused you to question our relationship, but I’m committed to making an effort to bridge our differences. We both need to work towards a better understanding.
Let’s strive to put aside partisan politics for the sake of our family. I believe we can be stronger together.
Love,
Emma