After struggling to sleep on Tuesday night, I decided to seize the moment, grabbed my laptop, and poured out my thoughts in a post titled Everything Will Be Alright. To my surprise, the post resonated with over a million readers within a day.

The responses varied, with most falling into two camps:

1) This gave me hope.

2) You missed the mark.

For those in the first group, the post served as a gentle nudge to remember the resilience of America in enduring challenges like the current political climate, reassuring them that the darker aspects of recent events are just a part of a larger story.

However, those in the second group felt that I painted an overly optimistic picture. Some rightly pointed out that my perspective, as a white heterosexual male, may have overlooked the genuine fears experienced by many. Others voiced concerns over my seemingly casual acceptance of Trump’s choice for Vice President and the absence of any mention of environmental repercussions.

Reflecting on the feedback, I realized the importance of allowing more time for introspection and careful consideration before sharing my views. Crafting a longer post over several days enables me to explore complex issues with the depth they deserve, unlike a rushed, emotionally charged piece written in the early hours of the morning.

Consequently, the original post lacked balance, succeeding in some aspects while falling short in others. Over the following days, like many of you, I delved into various articles, engaged in discussions, and engaged in deep contemplation. It has been an emotional journey, prompting me to contemplate the following:

1) I wish Hillary Clinton had won the presidency.

Whether it be Bernie Sanders, Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, or any conventional politician, the current landscape leaves me longing for different leadership.

2) I underestimated the present challenges in my attempt to focus on a positive long-term outlook.

The recent normalization of hateful rhetoric that has found a platform in Trump’s presidency has stirred fear and distress among many groups. The perception of such behavior as unacceptable has waned, fueling a rise in divisive sentiments and actions. This sobering reality, articulated in insightful responses and personal accounts, evokes a sense of unease and urgency that I regrettably failed to acknowledge adequately.

3) It appears my assessment of President Trump’s approach to governance was off the mark.

While it is premature to predict the composition of Trump’s cabinet, initial indications raise concerns regarding his governing style. The unpredictability surrounding his motivations and methods is unsettling, prompting apprehension and uncertainty.

4) The notion of a female president remains pertinent.

Although my portrayal of the country’s readiness for a female president might have been overly enthusiastic, the hurdles faced by Hillary Clinton due to her gender are undeniable. While gender biases may have influenced the election outcome, the prospect of a female president remains feasible, albeit with challenges.

5) Not all Trump supporters should be vilified as inherently malevolent.

Generalizing all Trump voters as hateful overlooks the nuanced reasons behind their support. Individuals may endorse a candidate despite reservations about certain aspects of their platform, driven by broader concerns and priorities. Recognizing this complexity is essential in understanding the diverse motivations of voters.

6) Some of the current dissent among liberals was foreseeable.

Political tides naturally ebb and flow, with power dynamics often shifting cyclically between parties. The current political climate reflects this predictable shift, with implications for key policy areas irrespective of the party in power. Acknowledging this pattern can help contextualize the challenges faced by liberal causes and highlight the importance of advocacy beyond traditional political channels.

7) Long-term optimism stems from a broader perspective.

My earlier discussion on consciousness levels highlights the significance of viewing events from a broader, more elevated standpoint. This heightened perspective offers insights into both positive and negative occurrences, underscoring the value of adopting a more expansive outlook in navigating complex issues.

8) Reservations persist.1

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