Months ago, when debates had just started, when election memes had barely begun to show up on all our social media feeds, Donald Trump was funny. We were all thinking, “How on earth could an asshole reality TV star expect to be taken seriously? How could he gain even one vote?” We all waited for the punch line.
There is no punch line, just the terrifying truth that much of America supports a racist, sexist and inconsistent candidate. In fact, the only thing Trump is truly consistent with is how often he lies. For example, he has lied about his candidacy contributions, claiming to be almost exclusively self-funded when he is not. Trump has very few substantive plans and policies. He makes many bold claims with no plan on how to carry them out. He has promised to abolish ObamaCare yet has never offered an idea for a replacement. He wants to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, but when asked how this expensive endeavor would be paid for, he says he will make Mexico pay for it with no explanation on how that would even happen. Trump’s financial ineptness is obvious in his life, having gone bankrupt several times. He also has no political experience. And these are just a few of the many reasons this man is the most ridiculous candidate yet.
Ignoring these points, Trump’s most terrifying quality is his complete lack of morality. This man constantly belittles people and bullies those weaker than him. He has refused to condemn a known member of the KKK. He is spreading hatred toward those of different races and religions. He is violent and cruel. The thought of a man like this leading our country puts genuine fear into my heart.
I am afraid he will endanger the lives of my friends who are not white and Christian.
I am afraid for the innocent people of color in this country.
I am afraid he will send my brother into a senseless war.
I am afraid feminist progression and other equality movements will be put to a halt.
I am afraid thousands of innocent lives will be mercilessly taken.
I am afraid those who seek shelter will be turned away.
I am afraid peoples’ religious rights will be taken away.
I am afraid that the search for human rights and equality that this country has been striving toward since its foundation will be ruined.
I am afraid I will be a citizen of a nation I will come to hate.
It is time to stop treating this election as a joke. It is time to take the future of this country out of the hands of those who would harm its values and it citizens. Stand against hatred, not with it.