On November 5, we witnessed the results of one of the darkest political campaigns in history.
As a country, we should be deeply concerned that we have elected a convicted felon, a man with a miserable character, as our president. But let us also take note of the Democratic campaign, which stood in stark contrast.
We were all in awe of one of the most professional and dignified campaigns led by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Their team was organized and honest, and represented the best of our democratic process. I was impressed by the countless staff members, volunteers, Republicans, artists, and many others who stood up for our democracy. People generously donated their money and time to support this noble cause.
Along with other United Farm Workers Union members, I walked precincts in Phoenix, ensuring we gave everything we had to this historic campaign. People from all over the country worked with us, and we are proud to have been a part of this movement.
The Trump campaign, on the other hand, launched by attacking immigrants, then expanded its hostility to women, the LGBTQ+ community, the media, and so many others. This campaign was built on lies, particularly regarding immigrants—and people believed them. We should all be worried: how many of us will be added to their “enemies list” and face persecution? The Trump campaign made so many ethical errors that any decent person should have condemned them, yet too many remained silent.
While I have yet to fully reflect on this election’s outcome—I have been driving from Phoenix to Tijuana, delivering Dr. Bronner’s organic soaps to immigrant shelters—I’ve heard that some Latinos, Black Americans, and, in certain areas, a substantial number of Muslims voted for Trump. Additionally, some voted for Jill Stein of the ghostly Green Party, and we should not overlook those so-called moral protest voters who effectively threw their votes away.
Our democracy presented us with two top-notch women candidates, one a woman of color, yet too many people refused to accept them. Sexism and racism undeniably played roles in this rejection, and we must work to put an end to it.
There’s speculation that Trump’s cognitive abilities will continue to decline in the coming months, yet his team will still push forward on their mission to dismantle programs and protections that have kept this country strong. The international community is gathering, wondering how they can protect themselves from the world’s tyrants now that the U.S. will soon become the loudest cheerleader for destructive policies against Palestinians, Ukraine, and other humanitarian causes.
Do those who throw away their votes genuinely believe that Trump’s presidency will benefit them or the communities we work with and cherish?
These communities now face devastating consequences in the next four years and beyond. This Trump administration will be many times worse than the first.
Like you, I was unprepared for this terrible outcome—but it has happened, and we must deal with it creatively and strategically. In just 730 days, we face another major election, and we must prepare now. We need to engage at the grassroots level in city, county, and state governments to counteract the administration’s actions. We must strategically file court cases, even knowing the likely uphill battle with a Supreme Court that does not favor our causes. We must start our new campaigns now.
We cannot sit back and lick our wounds; the working men and women, the poor, the children, and all those in need of economic security are calling on us to lead during this difficult time.
The DREAMERS of democracy are expecting us to do the impossible. Let us find a way to preserve this democracy of ours and protect all its citizens.
