No pun intended. I never discuss politics on this blog, and I rarely share anything political on social media. Yet this presidential election is such a significant historical event that I cannot NOT address it.
I will not address the election from either side of the aisle. I will address it in the ways I represent myself here, in this space. While I’m sure my views will be apparent, I have no intention of engaging in the heated, hateful dialogue so rampant during the election. Don’t even try it.
I write here as a mother.
There are many great resources advising parents how to talk to their children about the election, whether their candidate won or lost. Most emphasize reassuring our kids that they will be okay.
I have a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old, and they will not swallow that pill. They are too old to be satisfied with reassurances, but they are still young enough to want them. That’s difficult to do when I am anxious and fearful for our nation’s future.
At 2:11 a.m. on election night, Gwen texted me: I honestly can’t believe this. I am thoroughly upset and extremely scared for the future of this country.
Me too, baby.
I write here as a woman.
One hundred years ago, women could not vote. The fact that a woman was a major political party’s nominee for President is historically significant, regardless of your opinion of Hillary Clinton. On Election Day, I watched a live feed at Susan B. Anthony’s grave, and I got chills thinking about how proud and amazed she would be to witness this day. The sense of loss I felt yesterday was not just for me, but for millions of little girls, teenagers and young women.
Thank you to EV for this meme!
I write here as an American.
Our nation is deeply divided, and the wounds run deep. People are frustrated, disillusioned, and angry. Campaigns by their nature are divisive, but governing should not be. As disappointed as I am in the results of the election, I am an American and I love my country even if I don’t love my President. 
I write here as an optimist.
I choose to believe that America will heal, although it may not be in my lifetime. I believe that there are many more individuals who are open-minded and good than there are bigots and racists. I believe that we are stronger together, whether we were with him or with her.
While I was writing this post, I was in a Facebook group chat. Some of us voted for Clinton, some for Trump. We had a respectful, civil discussion, and asked each other questions about why we voted the way we did. While our political views are different, we all wish for a safe, united country where we can raise our families.
I write with determination.
I voted; my candidate lost. I’m unsure of what the future holds, but I can do something to shape it. Among the dozens of articles filling my Facebook feed today, this one entitled “How liberals can channel their post election anxiety into action” is worthy of a click-through. It’s a helpful read, even if you aren’t a Democrat. It is empowering to take action for causes you believe in, and there are many worthy causes to support.
I’ve addressed the elephant in the room, but that doesn’t mean he’s going away. It does mean, however, that I will go back to my regularly scheduled posts about middle age, parenting teenagers, and reading good books. Wake up, be amazing, repeat daily – that’s what I’m focusing on. I hope you’ll stick around.
I’m also optimistic about our future and believe that there are more good people than bigots but I’m still fearful for my bi-racial grandchildren, my Jewish grandchildren, my gay friends and family members, for all of us. Perhaps the “silver lining” is the fact that so many have been called to action by the results of the election as highlighted by the link you included. Always a Pollyanna, I am certain that love will prevail over hate.
Me too, Mo. I hope we are right.
Dana, part of what keeps me coming back to Kiss My List is your optimism. Thanks for using your significant writing talent to share an encouraging, honest post during a time of disillusionment.
What a lovely comment, Julia. Thank you – I really appreciate it. I’m taking an online class about creating content, and the unit I just completed was about my target persona and my voice and style. When I identified the attributes of my voice, “optimism” was one of them. I’m so glad to know that it comes through and it’s not just in my head!
Every voice is perfect.
As a mother, a parent, a daughter, a Jewish woman, a WOMAN, I have so many things to say.
As often, you’re the voice of reason for me when I’m floundering!
I love that you and Janine referenced that amazing and civil conversation..
Me too. I’m still struggling, and only Matt gets to hear EVERYTHING I need to say. Poor guy!
Eloquent.
Beautiful.
Insightful.
Non-Judgmental.
Perfect.
Thank you. I didn’t ask anybody who they voted for. I’m more interested in their character!
These are the fruits that interest me!
xx from MN.
Very true! And regardless of who we voted for, everyone has their own motivation and reasons.
We must learn to be a nation, a people, that embraces respectful conversation and debate, in order to move forward. Possible? I don’t know. We are perhaps “too far gone.” But I hope not.
I hold out hope too, Mardra.
” I believe that there are many more individuals who are open-minded and good than there are bigots and racists.” Yes, I truly believe this — I HAVE to believe that, that the news of the incidents of hatred are those done by a very vocal minority. I’m saddened to see how divided our country has apparently become — or maybe always was — but I have to have faith that we can find a way to work together. And I definitely feel inspired to want to do a better job doing good for our country.
Thank you for sharing, Dana!
Thanks for reading, Bev. Sadly, I’m realizing that our country has been much more divided and less inclusive than I thought it was…but that doesn’t mean it is everywhere, or it has to continue that way. We can advocate for change; our voices aren’t silenced after we vote.
You know, regardless of politics it does make me very, very sad that this election – no matter which side a person is on – has been so decisive that is has stressed out our kids. As I mentioned to you before, my kids’ school had to take time our of class on Wednesday to bring kids together and address the taunting and insulting that was happening from both ends of the spectrum; to remind them that we all still have to be kind and respectful. I’m glad my kids attend a school that will do that, but it’s awful that this election, these candidates, and so many adults from both parties have created that atmosphere. I respect everything you have stated here and appreciate those who have been open to dialogue – that’s the best way for our country to move forward.
I completely agree, Lisa!
Thanks. Feel the same way. I’m also reserved and rarely discuss politics. The lack of civility from folks on both sides is very disheartening.
It’s disheartening and disappointing, and a bit scary. I don’t want that future for my kids.
I couldn’t agree more! This is perfectly written in all the voices you used. Thank you for writing it with intelligence, respect and love.
I appreciate that, Allie – I tried to keep my tone as respectful as possible. This country needs to heal, not fan the flames.
I’m glad you wrote about it Dana. I’m still really really sad but I think I’m getting there. I donated to Planned Parenthood and that helped. Hugs to Gwen (and to you too).
Thanks, Kristi. We could use them.
It’s hard to wear all your hats at one time. I am glad that my kids were around to help temper my reaction to Tuesday’s results, but I am proud to show them some of my disappointment as well as my commitment to move things forward in my own way.
You’re right – we need to be honest with our kids, regardless of what our reaction to the election is. And commitment to move forward – YES.
Perfect title! I identify with each of your points, especially the mom part. “They are too old to be satisfied with reassurances, but they are still young enough to want them.” So true and well put. I find my kids reaching out to every adult in their lives whose opinion they value just to hear multiple people telling them it is going to be OK. Thankful that they care so much and am sure that their generation will make a big impact in taking the social justice movement forward for our country. Here’s hoping that they keep the faith.
I hope that too, Laura!
Yep, I went there too. It was too hard to keep quiet this round!
I really was. And I felt like keeping quiet would be ignoring the significance, regardless of one’s political views.
Love your post Dana. I’ve checked out of social media and news since Wednesday night and I feel pretty good today. I don’t know what’s waiting for me when I turn it all back on but I’m going to click through on the link you posted. Thanks for sharing.
Social media is overwhelming, Kenya. So many links to so many articles – my brain is tired.
When I read the title of this blog, two things happened: First, my Hamilaria kicked in. “In the ROOM where it happens . . . The room where it happens ” Secondly, I thought, “more like a bull in a china shop!”
We must hope and believe that the Office can elevate the man. And we must find ways to connect and collaborate instead of bickering and further dividing.
Thank you for your authentic, balanced, and respectful perspective.
As you know, I am struggling as well, but my optimism and belief in Love and Kindness far exceeds my shock and fear. It has to.
❤️
Thank YOU, Kris, for being another optimist in the face of so much uncertainty. Your FB posts uplift me!
i always appreciate a good political discussion, but also respect your decision to not get political on the blog. given that, i thank you for this post. while i am personally traumatized by the election result, i am trying my best to take care of myself, heal, and surround myself with friends and family (regardless of their political affiliation). it’s important to keep up the discussions (like your facebook chat) with everyone across the spectrum. that is the only way we can understand each other and work together.
I completely agree, Catherine. I’m also trying my best; I feel like I’m just emerging from radio silence after a few days of shock.
Yup, Janine’s right – this is perfect and shows the various perspectives from which we all have to operate. This is about more than political views; this is life. I see my job now as showing my daughter how we move forward from things like this, because I know very well that she is watching.
Absolutely! Our children are always watching, and it saddens me that people either forget that or are okay with presenting perspectives of hate or intolerance.
Dana, you said this beautifully and perfectly. I think we not only agreed upon who was our candidate for this election, but also how we go about conducting our political views, because I also rarely talk politics on my blog or even in real life. But felt compelled to write my feelings as you know, too. So definitely want to be able to help shape the world, as well and hoping that I will with my own post and more of my own writing in the future still, too.
I know we shared some of the same fears about posting, Janine. I’m glad we both did it!