An open letter to red voters,
I don’t hate you. I have struggled with hatred throughout this campaign and the last 10 years, but I’ve decided not to let it in. Hatred is what got us here. Hatred has gripped my country, but it doesn’t get to set up shop in my heart or my head. That is still and forever my choice.
I may eventually feel something like empathy for you. And maybe understanding will follow.
I’m not suggesting that all of you are motivated by hate. It is obvious that some of you are- some are literally aligned with hate groups- but I can’t believe that all of you are. I do think there is a lot of fear out there. And anger.
But- and it is important to me that you understand this- whether you have hate in your heart or not, you have very likely signed a death warrant for some people in America.
Women in red states are dying from the draconian abortion bans. Women who aren’t even seeking abortions. Women who’ve had miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies or any number of life-threatening situations that doctors are afraid to treat due to potential legal ramifications. If some Republicans who now have unchecked power get their way, the abortion ban will be nationwide and the death toll will rise. Even if you voted for this, I pray this never happens to you or someone you love. I truly do.
LGBTQ kids will be denied the support they need and more of them may commit suicide or end up on the streets. Legal immigrants are likely to be swept up in mass deportations along with illegal ones. In both of these cases, marriages and families will be ripped apart. I truly hope you value all families and kids, not only the ones who look or act like yours.
I’m not looking to debate any of the above with you or to change your mind about supporting DJT. It’s too late for that- you and an unfortunate majority of Americans have made your choice. I only want you to understand why so much of this country is terrified right now.
DJT has broken most of his promises over the years, and I hope that he will break his promise to be a dictator on day one and to enact so many of the policies he’s threatened that will result in the consequences I mentioned here. He has repeatedly told you who he is. You either didn’t believe him, or you don’t care. If it’s the former, I hope for all of our sake that you’re right. If it’s the latter, I don’t understand, and I honestly don’t believe it’s a gap I’m going to be able to bridge.