I believe in America!

Today was tough, especially after 3 pm our time.  That is when we found out our next president would be Donald Trump. Who would have thought he would be our next president?  I didn't and neither did the teachers here at DAIS.  I walked into my classroom that I shared with another teacher and she was crying uncontrollably trying to figure out why he is the president and not Hillary. I didn't have an answer for her but I gave her a hug as we stood there speechless with tears in our eyes. it is numbing to think that this is the first president that I have NOTHING in common with.  We don't stand for anything (that I know of, because frankly, he doesn't say clearly what he stands for) and he does not represent me as a woman, as an educator or as an American. Yes, in the past,  I have voted for presidents that  didn't win, but at least I respected the president that did win and the oval office. I can't say the same for Mr. Trump. 

throughout this last month, I have been asking my students how does the government work in China?  Some of my students had no idea, some said money talks (corruption) and then some mentioned the people have no say, it is decided for them.  They said this was easier than going through what America is going through, democracy. so what is really the difference between China and America? How do the two superpowers compare?  Well, here is what I know.  China values stability more, while the US values individual freedom. of course, we all know that America is grown on democracy (federal government of the republic of 50 states) and China is grown on communist, one party state. if you were to compare the two superpowers you would see a discrepancy with law and order, the economy (US is in serious debt, where China is in a surplus), and the way of living.  There are pluses and minuses between the two countries but I still choose United States of America.  Why, you say?  Because I believe.

I still believe in the American people, I still believe in democracy. I love my country and I still believe that America is great (it never was any less than that). What makes a country are the people. The people make the country not our leaders.  We have the power to choose our leaders and we have the power to make a difference. We the people!  Not Trump, not Hillary, not 'Sponge Bob' (a little humor-ahem) but us!!!  I will not be moving to Canada, but I will stay and fight for the American ideals "...that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness" (Bill of Rights, 1776)

Does Trump represent me?  No, but that doesn't mean America doesn't represent me, because it does.  I am a true American that live and breath American ideals.  A man doesn't represent me, I DO!