As a teacher of American Government and American History for the last 30 years, I can honestly say that I am ashamed of the way both sides are reacting to our election this year. As I watch the filth that comes through my Facebook page, I have been amazed that it is scrolling below the pictures of children that look up to and respect the people writing those filthy words. You cannot say the other side is full of hate and then follow that with hateful words of your own. How are you any different from them? Hate is hate no matter what race, ethnic group, sex, or sexual preference you may identify with. I will say what I say to my step-daughter when she is talking off the rails! STOP! BREATHE!! THINK!!! NOW, TALK! Think about what you are about to post for the world to see! It will be out there forever! Your kids and grand-kids will read those filthy words. Imagine a thousand years from now and people are studying our civilization and that is the record we have left behind. I don’t think Trump and Clinton will be the only people that America might need to be ashamed of. Look in the mirror and ask yourself if that ugliness coming out of your mouth reflects who you are. If not, stop spewing it. If so, change!
Now for the historic part! Our Constitution was NOT founded on the idea that we are all free and equal. That idea comes from the Declaration of Independence. Our Constitution is founded on the idea that we are all truly terrible human beings. Our founding fathers knew they were horrible and they knew they needed to protect the nation from all of the future people just like them. That is why we have checks and balances, the Electoral College, and a dozen other overlapping power structures that keep terrible people from destroying a beautiful idea! We have survived every known change, corruption, incompetence, civil war and everything else you can think of. The world didn’t end when President Obama was elected, as many of you thought, and it won’t end with President Trump, like many of you think now. Our system is designed for situations just like this. It has and will work unless we destroy ourselves. I could explain the ins and outs and the reasons behind the Electoral College and all the other processes, but you don’t need to trust that or trust individuals, trust that we have survived so much worse. Ask Abraham Lincoln. If you don’t like the results of this election, use the system that you have been given to change it the next time. You can’t always win, but you can always work for change!
Finally, STOP believing anything you read on here (Except of course what I am telling you!) I have seen more totally false stories, exaggerations and downright crazy information from both sides it is hard to believe anyone would take it seriously, but after reading comments, WAY too many people believe everything they read. You can’t even believe pictures and videos anymore because they can all be faked! Just ask yourself if it makes any sense whatsoever to get all torn up and spewing out hate over something that probably isn’t true. Yes you have the RIGHT to free speech, but you also have the right to remain silent! Sometimes it is better to say nothing at all! Yes, some things will change that you may not like, just like things have been done in the last year that others haven’t liked. They won’t change nearly as much as you are afraid of (Look up ex post facto laws), but even if they change, you will be OK and you can work to change them to what you think is right.
I have taught many of you and I have taught many of your children and I know most of you personally. I try to find something I love about everyone, even if I don’t love everything about them! I know what great and amazing people there are on both sides of this argument that hold their beliefs dearly and want to do what is best for this country. YOU ARE BETTER THAN THIS! Attacking other people with hate will just bring more hate! If you see a problem, don’t complain about it, FIX IT! As I end every class I have ever taught, I will end this with my life’s motto: Stop wasting your time with hate and fear and find a way to make a MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Peace and Love to all of you and a wish for a joyful, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years and any other special day you cherish!