I have to tell you, I consider these some of the most hateful and hurtful things people have said to me over the past few days. The suggestion that I leave the United States because Donal Trump will be our next President offends me for so many reasons. Here are just a few:
- It presumes that I give up easily. When the going gets tough, I don't fold. I don't acquiesce. I don't break. I bend.
- It asserts that I shouldn't fight back. Why shouldn't I fight back? Am I not allowed to have an opinion? Am I not allowed to have a voice? Newsflash: I have as much of an opinion and voice as you, and I'm entitled to both, just as you are. We live in a participatory democracy. For our country to thrive, we must all participate. We all have a meaningful part to play.
- It presupposes that this country only belongs to those in power and those who support them. Deep breath, Nicole. This country belongs to all of us. I am an American. I am a citizen. I was born here. My mother is a citizen. My father is a naturalized citizen. This is my country. Why would I give up my claim to my birthright because I don't like the direction in which this country is temporarily moving? No. I belong here.
- It supposes that the status quo will become a permanent state. Not if I have anything to say or do about it. The pendulum swings both ways. I'm 44 years old. I've lived through major political swings. I know the new leadership won't maintain power for long.
Photo source: http://quotesgram.com/quotes-for-becoming-a-citizen/
It boils down to this: I stay because this is my home. I stay because it is my duty to make my country as strong and kind and just as possible. I stay because I love my country and my fellow Americans. I stay because it is the right thing to do.
Making America a better place under the Trump administration will be more challenging than under any other presidency I've lived through. I know my work is cut out for me. My focus for the next four years is to speak out against racism, misogyny, bigotry, hate, xenophobia, intolerance, discrimination, and violence as well as supporting the victims of this bad behavior.
Photo Source: http://www.hippoquotes.com/american-citizen-quotes
Here's my game plan:
To speak out against injustice, I will be an active member in the ACLU on a national and state level.
Want to join me? Here are some resources:
To help victims of injustice, I will volunteer regularly for an organization that serves a targeted community.
Want to do the same? Here are some organizations you can help:
- 35 Pro-Women, Anti-Bigotry Organizations
- Pro-Women, Pro-Earth, Pro-Immigrant, Anti-Bigotry Organizations
Why do I stay? I stay because I am a proud American. I stay because I love and support my fellow Americans. I stay to make a difference. I stay because it is my duty to do so. I stay because it is the right thing to do.
And I find it hurtful if you think I'd do anything less.
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