My Reaction to the Election

On election night, as it became obvious who would be our next president, my body went into full on panic mode. I wanted to run away. Why?

• Racism - the brown undocumented immigrants are targeted for deportation, while the half million of white, European, undocumented immigrants - those truly more likely to “steal American jobs” due to their greater education - are ignored.

• Misogyny - women are already dying of infections in states with abortion laws, because they don’t get proper care when they miscarry. This could affect my daughters (and yours).

• The threat to repeal the Affordable Care Act. I am 61 years old and get my health insurance through the ACA. If it were repealed, this would allow companies to deny coverage on the basis of “pre-existing conditions.” At 61 years of age, most will have pre-existing health conditions, and I am no exception. Then there is cost. The ACA helps me with the $1000 per month premiums for my insurance. I would not be able to afford this on my own.

• Tax breaks for billionaires. Seriously.

• Tariffs. The widespread tariffs proposed by the incoming President will drive up the cost of everything, and decimate the economy.

America continues to disappoint. There is a huge difference in the values the country claims to stand for - equal opportunity for everyone regardless of race, religion, or gender - versus the reality.