A Fight for a Better America: Election Season 2020 Reflections

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“Regardless of which side you were on in the election, regardless of whether your candidate won or lost, the sun would come up in the morning. And that is one bit of prognosticating that actually came true. The sun is up.[…] One thing you realize quickly in this job is that the presidency and the vice presidency is bigger than any of us. […] Now, everybody is sad when their side loses an election, but the day after we have to remember that we're actually all on one team. This is an intramural scrimmage. We're not Democrats first. We're not Republicans first. We are Americans first. We're patriots first. We all want what's best for this country. That's what the country needs -- a sense of unity, a sense of inclusion, a respect for our institutions, our way of life, rule of law, and respect for each other. […] That's the nature of campaigns, that's the nature of democracy. It is hard and sometimes contentious and noisy and it's not always inspiring. But to the young people who got into politics for the first time and may be disappointed by the results, I just want you to know, you have to stay encouraged. Don't get cynical, don't ever think you can't make a difference. As Secretary Clinton said this morning, fighting for what is right is worth it. Sometimes you lose an argument, sometimes you lose an election. You know, the path that this country has taken has never been a straight line. We zig and zag and sometimes we move in ways that some people think is forward and others think is moving back, and that's OK. […] The point though is [is] that we all go forward with a presumption of good faith in our fellow citizens, because that presumption of good faith is essential to a vibrant and functioning democracy. That's how this country has moved forward for 240 years. It's how we've pushed boundaries and promoted freedom around the world. That's how we've expanded the rights of our founding to reach all of our citizens. It's how we have come this far. And that's why I'm confident that this incredible journey that we're on, as Americans, will go on.”

These were some of the words from President Barack Obama the day after President Donald J Trump’s 2016 win. For the past four years, these words have continued to inspire and push me to never give up the fight for what is right. Although Election 2016 was a loss for the Democratic Party, the words of President Obama resonated with many Americans. One loss was not the end of it all. That one loss ignited the fire to fight for what is right for the next four years, and thereafter.

I am a child of South Asian immigrants. I am also a woman. I also belong to the upper middle class population.  Being an American with the demographics I identify with was not always easy. Asians were not allowed to naturalize as Americans until the 1940s and women were not even allowed to vote until the 1920s. That is the very nature of being an American. We push boundaries and we fight for the fundamental rights for all. Since the conception of our country with the words that “All men are created equal,” Americans have not stopped fighting until all men are truly treated as equals. As President Obama stated, “Americans, will go on.” That is what makes our country great – our drive to never give up and to keep fighting for what’s right.

The past four years have opened up the eyes of many Americans as to what is wrong with our nation. No country is perfect, but it can only be successful if, generation after generation, the constituents challenge the status quo and work to create a better nation. We have done this at many points of our history. Our ancestors challenged the status quo and upheld the fundamental roots of our democracy, which resulted in movements such as the Abolishment, Civil Rights Movement, Immigration Reform, Suffragette Movement and so on. As a member of the youth of our nation in this crucial period in history, I want to continue on the passion for a better America our ancestors sought.

This election, unlike others, has not been a competition for a difference in policies. It is a clear divide between what is right and what is wrong. We are in a fight to protect the fundamental basic rights of all Americans. We are in a fight to protect our Earth from environmental threats. We are in a fight to ensure that all LGBTQIA+ community members have their marital and sexual rights protected. We are in a fight to abolish systemic racism. We are in a fight to end religious intolerance. We are in a fight to create a safe and efficient way for people all across the globe to immigrate to America to live their own American dream. We are in a fight to protect the rights of women and give them the freedom to choose what to do with their bodies. We are in a fight to uphold the Constitution and safeguard our democracy from anything that threatens to break it down. That is what the Election of 2020 has at stake.

Following the 2016 sentiments of President Barack Obama, we will not give up. No matter what happens today, the fight is only just starting. No matter who becomes President, Americans have a lot to do to ensure a better America. When we vote, we take a big step into creating the country that is a great country for all its citizens. That is why it is imperative to be an educated and informed voter.

Whether our country is red or blue November 4, 2020, we still be Americans at the end of it all. As Americans, it is our job to protect the rights of anyone who lives on our land. Never give that up.

 

To all Americans, good luck.

 




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