On November 5th, the world as we know it will change.
There are few days in history that we know are going to impact not just the fate of a settlement or a civilization, but the entire world as we know it. The fall of the Roman Empire. The discovery of the Americas. The assassination of Franz Ferdinand. The dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The first step of man on the moon.
Some of these dates had plans, but rarely are they decided days in advance, let alone centuries in advance. When the American founding fathers decided to hold the quadrennial Presidential election on the first Tuesday following the first Monday of November back at the constitutional convention in Philadelphia, they would not think the fate of the entire world would reside in the same city.
On November 5th and before as a record number of people cast their ballots in the Presidential and Congressional elections early by mail and by early voting, the fate of communities, whether racial or economic or sexuality or gender as we know it are on the line. Over the last eight years, the words “most consequential election in a lifetime” have been uttered way too many times by pundits, journalists, and politicians.
However, it’s clear this time is different.
While one candidate is promoting racial equity and a chance for all to thrive, the other tears down the people that make this country great: its diversity.
While one candidate promises tax cuts for everyone else, the other promises tax cuts only for their ultrawealthy friends.
While one candidate celebrates and has marched with queer people, the other one promises on day one to destroy LGBTQ+ rights.
The first candidate is Kamala Harris, and the second one is Donald Trump.
I do not need to keep on repeating how dangerous Donald Trump is to myself, my friends, my family, and our nation and our world as we know it. Another Trump term would destroy the US economy, completely make women second-class citizens, and bring America closer to authoritarian leaders in China and Russia than centuries-old allies like France and the United Kingdom. Trump would also remove any credibility the US has: one of the world’s most powerful nations crumbled down.
Kamala Harris is the right way forward. Kamala believes in equality, the power of our allies, and the credibility of our nation. While at times I’ve been slightly critical of her, especially with her passive nature on LGBTQ+ rights, she still believes in the power of the LGBTQ+ community.
As a queer person, I’m scared for November 6th. Do I get to go to class as myself, proud of what my country did, or do I begin to find my plan where I’m going to live and be able to be myself? Do I get to spend time with my friends who accept me for who I am, or am I going to begin sucking up to a dictator who wants me dead?
I implore every single one of you to vote not just for your future, but for the futures of the ones you love and hold close to your heart. Vote for what you want our nation to be, not for wanting to go back.
Comments