fallingsh0rt

[fallingsh0rt]

November 7, 2024 1:27pm EST

When I asked Republicans and Trump supporters around me to explain how his economic policies might benefit us (genuinely wanting to learn and understand), they were unable to provide specifics. Most responses centered around “I got more money back in taxes when he was president.” When I asked about legislation explaining those tax benefits—since we are still under Trump’s tax plan—they were surprised to learn this fact and had no additional details to offer. When I tried to share my research, quoting directly from Trump’s site, factual data, and supporting documentation, my sources were dismissed as “not sounding right” or “not true.”

Additionally, as a non-religious, pro-choice woman, I’m deeply concerned about the future of our country as Christian extremists become more prominent around Trump. While his policies claim to support individual freedoms, they contradict that stance by removing rights related to women’s reproductive choices. His platform surrounds supporting First and Second Amendment rights but seems selective when it comes to religious freedom, especially where it conflicts with his agenda. For instance, plans to defund public schools for going against Christian teachings and to mandate prayer and Bible reading are directly stated on his site. This approach undermines First Amendment freedoms and religious diversity.

Writing this on November 7th, only two days after the election, I’m already seeing troubling rhetoric from figures like Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate. Fuentes has said things like “Guys win again...yes, we control your bodies… it’s your body, my choice. Glass ceiling? It’s a ceiling made of f*cking bricks, you will never break it. We will keep you down forever. You will never control your own bodies.” while Tate tweeted, “I’ll never respect a woman again. Women’s rights? LOL. Slaves don’t have rights.” Images of protests at Texas State University show signs reading “Women are property.” This is only two days post-election, yet aggressive and threatening language is spreading, and it seems likely to increase as others see these statements in the media and decide to join in since there seems to be no concequences. I mean, the fact that a majority of American voted in an (alleged) rapist and convicted felon who has shared violent, sexist and racist rhetoric as PRESIDENT, the highest governmental role in the United States, really shows there are no real concequences to these actions, so whats preventing other’s from joining in? Literally nothing at this point.

These are just a few thoughts as I process this election and consider what the next four years and beyond might look like. With Trump as president and a Republican-controlled House, Congress, and Supreme Court, Republicans have control of government, giving Trump alarming freedom to act with limited checks and balances. Checks and balances are crucial to democracy; without them, we risk having policies pushed through without critical review or opposition.

I’m trying to stay positive and see what others see in Trump, hoping that his intentions genuinely align with the public's interests. I hope he does not exploit his role as president to push changes that harm Americans. I hope Project 2025 is not his secret agenda, and that we do not regress to a dystopian, Handmaid's Tale-like society. I hope he stands against division and promotes unity.

As a woman, I’m frightened, yet I hope people around me are informed enough not to have supported a president whose policies could harm me. At this point, what’s done is done; all I can do is hope. I sincerely hope I’m wrong in my assumptions and research, though early signs are not encouraging.