Every day before I walk out the door, I hear my mom say, “Hanna, please be careful today.”
Both of us know we have nothing to worry about, but my mom is still worried, because I’m not white. She has enough reason to feel insecure—a few days ago, a white boy walked up to me and asked me with an accusing tone, “Where are you from?” When I responded that I’m from Diamond Bar, California, he was surprised to notice that I speak perfect English.
Sadly, this is Trump’s America. It’s only been a month and a few days since his inauguration, and results have been disastrous to say the least.
I’m a Republican. I’m all about faith, family and freedom—always have been and always will be. I grew up in a devout Christian household and my parents tried their best to raise me as a proper, hardworking, God-fearing kid. I’d like to say they succeeded for the most part. I grew up watching VeggieTales and singing “Jesus Loves Me.”
My family immigrated to the United States when I was 3 years old. Since then, my parents have worked extra hard to establish ourselves a home in a country that was initially so strange and cold. We came to value the American Dream, which was one of the deciding factors of us leaving South Korea. The notion that “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” regardless of social status, enamored us.
Months before the election, I was torn between our current president and his rival, Hillary Clinton. I didn’t know whose line I should choose to stand behind. Standing behind Hillary’s would paint me a sinner in the eyes of God, and Trump, well, we all know.
As a conservative, I’ve long disagreed with Clinton’s platform and her policies. Sure, she has the experience and the veteran status in politics unlike Trump, and would have shown a much better performance in the White House. However, I am pro-life; I believe that life is sacred and only God has the power to give or take away. I’m against big government; I believe a small government allows more flexibility in the nation and freedom for all Americans to pursue their dreams without much obstacles in their way.
But aside from my values and how it contradicts with those of Clinton and the Democratic party, I dislike Clinton as a human being. I’m sort of scared of her too—I could never forget the moment when she said, “What difference does it make,” while testifying about Benghazi. There are just too many stories and other content of her corruption, her failure in many foreign policy deals and her apparent obsession with money that listing them all would take eternity. To me, her support of abortion and Planned Parenthood are enough to say no.
And now, Trump. Only two months in office and I don’t know what this guy is—he’s definitely not a Republican. And he’s definitely unfit to hold the highest office of the land. One could clearly tell through the presidential debates that he doesn’t have concrete, specific steps to his policies and logical reasons as to why he believes putting them in place. For example, the wall. Trump wants to build a wall between the United States and Mexico so illegals can’t come over. First, his plan is wholly unrealistic. Second, I believe America should be a country with open arms. I am in no way supporting illegal immigration, but America should never be putting up walls; this country is a place for everyone who is willing to come and abide by its laws.
Trump has also flip-flopped on issues like abortion. He’s been a Democrat. How can I trust my country to someone who isn’t sure where he stands? How can I support someone who spews racist, sexist comments left and right and even brushes them aside, calling them “locker room banter”? The United States is a country dear to my heart, it’s the only home I know. I don’t want my country to be the icon of ridicule and shame. I don’t want to see Donald Trump’s face on memes anymore. I’m afraid that as the months and years pass by with him in control, the U.S. will be forced to stoop so low, it’ll never recover.
The Republican Party, namely Donald Trump, must adopt a less egregious style of speech and a more centrist view in order to work effectively with its opposing party. At this rate, the country will have to deal with a political fallout in the next four years, which I’m sure none of the American citizens want.
