Dear Evie & Felix,
It’s 4:30 a.m. and I am trying to figure out how to tell you that the America you’re waking up in has elected Donald Trump as its next president.
You watched the first debate and, even at ages 6 and 9, you saw Hillary Clinton as the more polished, prepared, and knowledgeable candidate. She won, definitely, you said. He’s a bully. She is the smart one who talks about helping people.
Your dad and I have talked to you about how voting for a president isn’t the same as cheering for a sports team. It’s a decision that starts with your soul and reflects your beliefs about the world you live in and the people you share it with.
We believe that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness, regardless of race, nationality, gender, or disability. We see that this isn’t the case in America today, and we recognize the struggles of our immigrant, non-white, and LGBT friends and neighbors. We hurt along with them and we stand up for their rights.
We believe that both of you, our daughter and son, have bright futures full of opportunities, and that there’s nothing either of you can or should do that the other can’t. Except maybe pee standing up.
We believe that taxes are the fair price we pay for living in a civilized society.
We believe that education is the key to better life. You go to an excellent public school, as every child should. You will go to college, as should everyone with the ability, interest, and willingness to do so. Keep reading and paying attention to your teachers. Your education won’t just prepare you for your job, but will also teach you to be a thoughtful and informed person in the world.
We believe that our earth is hurting and people need to work together to save it.
We believe that people are good, but greed and selfishness are real. We believe that we need laws to make sure that the most powerful people treat others fairly. Once, kids your age worked in factories and mines, and it took brave people standing up and making laws to build the kind of safe workplaces that we have today.
We believe that our country works better when everyone has access to affordable housing and healthcare, and when no child is hungry or abandoned.
Your dad and I still believe these things, as do many Americans. Last night’s election reminded us, that not everyone does. The people who voted for Trump are (mostly) good people who disagree with us on some of the beliefs I wrote about here.
Don’t give up on America.
Just know that we have work to do.
You’re on the right path. Keep being kind and open to other people. Keep standing up for the kids who get picked on. Be brave and be smart and be loving, always.
We feel broken now, but we will rise. We will continue to show up, to challenge ourselves and our country to do better and to be better humans.
You will see a woman president. You will see a more diverse, inclusive, and fair America. You will look back one day and say, “Things are so much better than when we were kids.”
But you’ll have to fight for it. And your dad and I will fight alongside you.
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| Not pictured, also with us: Daddy. |
Love,
Mom